when i hear your voice, describe your favorite ballets
your preferred memories
i remember the interview of Wendy Whelen on the radio one night, NPR
how there was a day when Peter demanded a movement stronger
and she realized she just couldn't do it
that she did not have anymore to give
that the mountain had a peak
the limits of the body grow
we all must age
and will be the same in the end
but life is not preoccupied with destination
rather who and how you love along the way
and i reflect on half a life, or maybe a third if i have the luck
i am a little sentimental
for my best friend, who left after ten years and no ring
for my teacher who died of ALS before the internet made it famous
and for my grandfather
a true hero in the great war, an under accomplished visionary
who died alone in a nursing home and forgot who he was
the world is always filled with enough pain and suffering
only equal to the beauty of your eyes and your devotion
and like Wendy or Misa, I know it is impossible to be the first true love in your heart
and it's ok, i will still continue to love you
quietly in your ear, or silently from afar on paper
like a parent who loves their kid and learns to let go
this love can only do the world good, make me stronger
until the day i reach the top of the mountain, or i forget myself