Day 284: On Revelations

Scene from Alvin Ailey’s 1960 ballet, Revelations.

An ekphrastic poem I wrote after Revelations, the breathtaking 1960 ballet by Alvin Ailey.

On Revelations

By Meredith Seung Mee Buse

All my life I have been 

Trying to wear white women's shoes. 

I dream of stealing them, by stealth or accident. 

So many pairs. Piling. All ill-fit. 

Too Tall. Wobbly-ankled. 

Weak-kneed. Weak-willed. 

Never knew I had been 

searching for the inspiration

Of twirling, spinning, soaring,  

On beautiful, Black, bare feet.