The butterflies were there the night
Before. They were there as I finished getting all
Of my costumes around and climbed into bed.

The butterflies were there as I climbed out of bed

And took a shower.

The butterflies were there as my mom
Tightly pulled my hair into a ponytail and
Twisted it into a  bun.

The butterflies were there as my mom
Pounded makeup onto my face.

The butterflies were there as I rode in the
Backseat, after fighting hard for the front,
Talking to my sister and playing on my phone,
Careful not to let my bun touch the seat.

The butterflies were there as I stepped inside
The crowded room outside of the auditorium.

The butterflies were there as I walked passed the
Crowded lines of people waiting for the performance
To start.

The butterflies were there as I waited in
The dressing room, talking to my friends and sister.

The butterflies were there as I slipped into
My costume and taped my pointe shoes.

The butterflies were there as I posed
With my team for pictures.

The butterflies were there as I was
Thoroughly inspected by the assistants
And then lined up.

The butterflies were there as I was
Standing in the wings, waiting, watching
The dancers before me strike their ending
Poses and walk off stage.

The butterflies were there as I heard my
Music. I stepped on stage and…

I felt the butterflies disappearing and
The world melting away.

The butterflies flew away!
I was not scared!
I danced my heart out!

I struck my ending pose and
Ballet walked off stage.

The butterflies were gone,
But I knew that they would
Come back.

It was almost a tradition.
And I knew that they would
Come back.