Chica Bonita

Chica Bonita

Drawn from the audience

unsolicited to the stage,

sucked wide-eyed and willing

into flamenco's vortex.

Before you whirls a woman

of such force and grace,

you see in her your future

and raise your arms

in mesmerized mimicry,

envisioning the day

you twirl with passion

to strangers' applause.

Some day, I pray,

you will step into that power,

but for now, little chica,

dance.