Performance, the Spirit

     a hundred pairs of feet, clad strong and stepping forward

              clip      clop      clip      clop

step one in time, and step two even sharper

                         Tens follow after, light and graceful on their runners

               pit     pat      pit      pat

     toes pointed with fashion, and stride lengths equal

heads held high, positions straight and striving

gazes were focused, cutting through the glaring sunlight

the announcer calls us forward, and 137 step forward in unison

the stands erupt in roars, the audience hinting their expectations

exercises echo throughout the stadium, and We set up our equipment

each member moves forward to their spot, ready stance rigid, unwavering

our drum major counts us off

and the still field bursts into life

luminescence refracts off Our costumes,

sequins splashing color as We pranced about

rippling silks fly up in arcs and cones,

swishing from Our enthusiastic strength

each pose and stance was hit sharply,

Our skirts swirling up in fluid response

We dance about the grassy stage,

leaping from one yard line to the next

the band passes through Us,

and We pass through the band

counts are beating from person to person,

Us Sisters counting in practiced unison

second movement proceeds,

and the rifles sweep forward in precision

bodies spin and guns are flowing along,

flourishes decorate the intricate shapes formed

tosses jump up in a ripple, caught

all in time with a clack, clack, clack

chins are tilted up out of habit,

genuinely wide smiles plastered across Our faces

arms are thrown forward with rhythmic speed,

only to fall back with contrasting control

metal weights ring within the flags,

bringin the vivacious show to a solid still end

high applause flood Our ears

drowning out Our heavy breathing

everyone kept motionless, all for added effect

another second and chaos ensued, performers walking off

grins satiated with adrenaline glistened, the aftereffect of performing

hours upon hours of grueling practice, sets run repeatedly until perfection

showcasing what we’ve done, performing our show to the families

the encouraging cheers and celebration, is what make me feel alive

     a hundred pairs of feet, clad strong and stepping forward

     clip     clop      clip      clop

step one in time, and step two even sharper

     Tens follow after, light and graceful on their runners

     pit      pat      pit      pat

     toes pointed with fashion, and stride lengths equal