Tatum's Dance

She hears the pitter patter
As her steps hit the hardwood stage.
She slips around the dancers
Taking her place in the middle
Posing.
Her arms curl over her.
Purple bruises go unseen
But she sees them below the spotlight.

The music reverberates against her chest.
The fluorescents snap above her.
She drops her head.
Her hair falls; red strands graze her shoulder.
She glares against the hushed crowd
Smiling.
Her grin reveals her delicate gapped teeth.
They watch with deep expectation.
Though none are there for her
She begins her dance sliding across the floor.