Look down.
Look up.
Flash your fake smile at the audience
and hold back your tears
that threaten to over flow from your violent blue eyes.
Move right,
spin left.
Sway your body to the rhythm of the music.
Jump!
and let them catch you mid air.
Trust them.
They won't let you fall if you can just hold still.
Don't move, don't squirm.
Keep your arms straight and your smile on.
Hold your body still and look out at the people,
who are holding their breath
waiting for you to fall and with
911 already dialed.
Gracefully drop and immediately
into your perfect center split and listen
to the gasps of the audience.
Get up off the floor
smile once more
and walk off the stage
and let your tears fall.
They don't need to know what happens behind the scenes.