Girlhood Wish

I have always admired ballerinas with their muscular legs and pointed toes.
I never told my parents, but as a little girl it was my dream to be a part of the beauty of the ballet.
I never brought it up, though, because I didn’t want to seem girly and weak.
I wish I had realized then that ballerinas are some of the hardest working and strongest athletes—
that their grace is only achieved through countless hours and years of their lives
perfecting and building their strength.
I wish I could go back to being a young girl again
and ask my parents to sign up for lessons.
Maybe then my life would be different;
maybe then I would know
grace in my body and peace in my soul.