The Eternal Production

To be a slave to something for your whole life is a tragic fate. Especially when you don't want to be in it anymore.

 I am a dancer.

I move with grace, proper form, and float in tune to the music in my head.

Nothing has ever been more important to me than the applause and standing ovations at the end of each and every show. The satisfaction washes over me, and I realize that this is my purpose. This is what I am alive for. I'd die without this, honestly.

Before the performance tonight, I didn't feel at ease... I felt like I was having a premonition that something horrible was about to occur. Nevertheless, I shoved my worries aside and laced up my flats. As I continued to put my lipstick and mascara on, that dreadful feeling sat in the pit of my stomach. I didn't listen to the scream it was making, as it warned me to step off stage and run away from all I know. No. I could never do that. It isn't my job to quit and start making my own decisions.

The polite claps of the audience welcomed me as the curtain drew back, revealing me in the starting position. I held back a smile and started to move. A slow, steady song played on the speakers above me. Even though they play music aloud for the audience, I have a certain tune I like to follow inside of me. I think it's what makes the show so dynamic and explosive. As time passed, the dread was filling me. It seeped up into my chest, and was wrapping around my veins as I danced. A panicked expression spread across my face. What was going on?! Why was this happening? It could ruin the whole show! I stared out at the audience. They didn't seem shocked or horrified at all. But I was. I could feel the blood pooling in my shoes. I realized I wasn't in charge of my movements anymore. My feet wanted to give way and collapse, but it was like I was a robot. I kept moving and doing my routine as always. I tried to stop and see what was wrong, but I couldn't. 

The routine finally started to finish. My blood-soaked feet lowered into a curtsy, and the black strings lowered my head and arms into a formal bow. Applause and cheers filled the arena, as loud as thunder. I was crying, but no tears flowed from my hollow eyes. The truth had come out. After so long, I realized I was a victim after all. 

I am not a dancer.

I am a puppet, and the puppeteer is the villainous art itself.

I hope you enjoyed the show, and will come again tomorrow night.

Author's Note

I literally just came up with this and wrote it on the spot. Was fun to write! Please review/rate :)

Reviews

[RiverRei]

This is really cool. I always wished I was a dancer. I love watching people dance and see what creative shows they can come up with. I love how you incorporated the dancing theme with how one can feel like they aren't in control of your own fate or own life. I never had to go through that, but I do know that some people have to go through this and I feel bad for them. This is a great piece though and I'm very glad that you shared it with me. Thank you :)

[Haley Wilson]

Aw it's my pleasure, dear. Hope you will read more of my stuff! :)

[untimely stories]

this was an awesome thing to read and really well written, i really liked reading it

[Ruth]

Interesting, the passion consuming the artist...different perspective and really enjoyed :)

[Haley Wilson]

Thanks so much dear! :)

[Mayank]

'I am a puppet, and the puppeteer is the villainous art itself.' this line is brilliant. I liked the flow, it seems more like a stream of consciousness activity.

[Haley Wilson]

Thanks for reading it! :)

[Pryde Foltz]

I am not a dancer.

I am a puppet, and the puppeteer is the villainous art itself.

I hope you enjoyed the show, and will come again tomorrow night.

There is no dancing without joy. Great write, Haley:)

[Haley Wilson]

Thanks Pryde!! Xox

[BThomvanWart]

I love the movement of the piece. What I especially like is that you chose something that's not written, but very physical. I had to read and react to your piece mentally. I was so in awe by what your words conjured. Beautifully written! And it's such a relatable, yet vastly different subject. Sometimes everyone feels like this, a simple puppet being made to react in only certain ways, but other times it's the exact opposite. Other times there's so much to react to that you're lost in the whole situation, much like your dancer.

[Haley Wilson]

Thanks so much! That's exactly what I was going for. :)

[wordman]

it was fun to read,i really enjoyed it

[Haley Wilson]

I'm glad! Thanks for reading xx

[wordman]

you are welcome

[Matching Socks]

Strong writing Haley.
So many of us become slaves and victims to our craft.

[Haley Wilson]

Yeah that's way true! Glad you enjoyed it. :)

[Not here]

it was as fun to read as it was to write. i love how it goes from "i am a dancer" to "i am a puppet," which is just a fantastic comparison

[Haley Wilson]

I'm glad you think so! Thanks for reading dear :)

[AaronFreitas]

I understand what it's like to be a slave to something your entire life. Well, I can't really say a slave because I chose it also but I understand how it completely consumes you and you become a puppet just doing what is expected of you. Beautiful write Haley :)

[Haley Wilson]

Thanks as always Aaron! And yeah I have found myself in situations like this multiple times.