The Graceful Elephant

by Jennifer Reedy, 2022

I am old

I am not skinny

My thighs are too thick for my calves

My belly hangs over my pants

I don’t care

I put on my pink canvas shoes anyway

I am learning ballet

I plie’ and bend

Yet struggle to rise and releve’

There’s fondue, to melt, like cheese & chocolate

Tondue, to stretch

Saute’ to jump

Music plays and my sore body creeks and pops

Balance

Hold

Breathe

Move

Lift

It’s exhilarating!

I strive to be as graceful as an elephant.