how can I 
throw myself 
deeper into 
this life? 
each second of 
the clock 
ticking 
like the clicking of 
a tap dancer’s heels 
snapping into 
position 
and one! 
here’s a chance 
to leap 
into something 
new 
something vital 
worthy 
breathless 
true 
but I let them 
pass
each precious tick
riffling and scuffling
shim shaming
and shuffling
one dazzling routine
into the next
as I watch
as I ache
the applause
and the laughter
from here –
all the way
up here,
alone in the
rafters

Brilliant