playing a mouse
in the nutcracker ballet
at the age of 7
how exciting!
the stage make-up is itchy
the costume is uncomfortable

what?
I get to fill in as a crossover mouse?
with the bigger mice?
what am I gonna do?

the lights are bright
my terry-cloth hood
is blocking my vision
I get pushed across the stage
OH BOY

I spin my head in circles
I’m supposed to be confused
but now I’m dizzy!

I see the palace
the sugar-plum fairy’s inside it
so pretty!

can’t turn back now
phew!
made it to the other side
what a night!