A Retired Dancer

A ballet dancer
looks at herself in the mirror
everyday
as a matter of fact
a check on reality

a retired
ballet dancer--facts change
is that really me
in the mirror
the front or the back

bring out 
the bike
the scales
take a walk
retard--the old bastard of time

some say 
lucky to be alive at our age
and furthermore--
never want to be 
twenty again

I sit here
chin rests upon my hand
in thinker pose
wondering--a fair trade
wisdom for youth??
Genie Nakano
originally published in Atlas Poetica, editor M. Kei: number 13 Autumn 2012

For years I have wanted to write a better ending.
Today, August 5, 2026, I haven't come up with a satisfactory ending.
I welcome your comments and creativity for an ending.