Beneath the Beauty

Dancing, leaping, twirling

Gracefully,

Effortlessly,

Perfectly.

But beneath it all

Is

Bruises 

Pain

Twisted ankles

Broken bones

Disappointment

Practice

Learning

Failing

But continuing to try,

But continuing to do the best you can,

But continuing to endure the struggles.

Because afterwards,

Success,

Hard-earned success,

Greets you

And it is all the sweeter

Because you were the one who earned it.