Leaf of Optimism (Edited: 02/20/2023)

The leaf of optimism

                  between fingertips                 

and the scrunch of shoulder blades
spin, 

          spin, 

                    spin, 

                                    reach.

The flex of my foot and the arch of my back. 
Heart pounding,

               wrists exposed I
                                             reach my limit just as I'm forced into the air.
Due to a lack of oxygen 

I need the extra levels of ozone to express 

Just how sweet the air tastes 

                                                  when it is not dripping with

self doubt, 

pain, and 

the negative voices in my head. 

Dance is exhilarating, unable to fix decisions from past trials, 

It allows me to breathe in the freshness of time. 

Time is sweet and cherished.
Time allows patience to make amends.
Time is a friend ticking,

                                and ticking.
My toe brushes the floor,

Continuing to tease the moments that time allows us to capture. 

The leaf of optimism turns over and over as my body gracefully comes to its conclusion. 

For now. 

                                                -A