Thirteen...

She presses play...

...and begins to mouth the words and move in rhythm with the beat, each phrase sweetly choreographed by herself: no dance troupe needed. Gliding here and there, arms extended, hands gracefully lending a charming lilt, head tilting ever so slightly to the right, then the left. Upon her glowing face, each emotional word vulnerably portrayed. In her sparkling eyes, every heartfelt note frankly visible. She is immersed in the melody, submerged in the harmonies, engulfed by the poetry. She is full of the joy of life, flushed with love's first crush, energized by youthful passion. She is innocent and serene, bubbling with hope, bursting with dreams...

A fluttering woodland fairy... a butterfly on the breeze... a sparrow stretching its wings...

She is the dancing queen.


c2010 Lorenda Houston