MORNING EXERCISES- A POEM (9/24/96)

In the chill light of the morning,

when the applause is over,

and the sequins have all been swept away

this is what it comes down to:

You slip from your warm bed

to the cold expanse of the floor

Your muscles groan,

Reluctant and complaining,

while they recount all your recent sins,

excesses, and good intentions.

You creak slowly towards movement,

but the body remembers it's song,

it's past tales of grace and beauty,

so slowly you start to move

making claim on the space around you

your feel planted firmly on mother Earth's strong back,

as the energy flows into your torso,

and your arms embrace the heavens.

The rhythms come alive in your hips,

and undulations flow from your chest.

This, then, is what it comes down to,

In the chill light of morning,

We dance the dance of life,

And we are strong and beautiful, once again..