The Acrobat's Exit

Arabesque

Quarter turn

“Now point your toes and let them burn”

 

Russian roll

Teeth agleam

“Handstand on the balance beam”

 

Straddle jump

Somersault

“Now go leap over the vault”

 

Tuck and split and 

Lock your knees

“Climb and swing from that trapeze”

 

Front walkover

Back handspring

Do shoulder blades come with wings?

 

Tendons torn

Tragic trope

“Someone couldn’t catch the rope”

 

I guess I’m lucky

Lying prone

Blessed I only broke six bones

 

Healing season

That was that

“Now get yourself back on the mat”

 

You will not find me

On all fours

These limbs of mine were never yours