Some Notes For The Ballet

for George Balanchine

what if the dancer lept over the moon

so that her skirts of violet tulle

caught on the early stars to leave her spinning there

and left you wondering where you are;

is this still the ballet are we en pointe?

I feel that way in these post modern times

what has happened to music

does water flow the same way;or is it all uphill now

are there still fountains

courtyards, moments of peacock display i

Juliet, pensive in rose on the balconies

any cause at all that is not political

have people played so many games smoting the beautiful

for its aeathetic side so that it is

Forever now that is waving goodbye to you

you glimpse in every mirror,storefrnt as she floats by.

mary angela douglas 29 august 2020