" apollo chorine"

I looked into the shallow bowl of the old spoon and saw my entire life swimming in black wax.

Each bead I string along my lashes is heavy with memories

Of

Full houses, empty seats, bad lighting, enthusiastic audiences,
Splintered floors, missed steps, cold dressing rooms, generous
            partners,
Smiles, tears, anticipation, ecstasy, envy jealousy, failures,
            friendships,

All this and more—
            in one small teaspoon of beading.

-Carmen de Lavallade