Portal Flight

She prepares a star ship set course for the moon
her shadows turn gray
while her complexion is ashen white
salt spray peppers her lips
while skin composes ears
speech prepares song
and feet are prepared for dance

she watches and freezes
as he is lost in the dance performer's shoes
she grips the stairway railing
while he loses his step
will she perform?

they have taken the heart away
they have taken a dream away
they have made a slave of her today