Applause
After “Entrance of the Masked Dancers,” by Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas

Her aqua tutu and red beaded bodice
were a shimmering blur as the two
ballerinas exited stage, heated and breathing
heavily from dizzying pirouettes and jumps.

She could hear the crowd’s applause
and paused for a moment to accept the
praise, only to notice the elevation
of sound now rising.

The masked dancers in gold
and white capes, lifted the spirits
of the crowd into a crescendo that
was noticeably louder and more
vigorous than what they had received.

Perhaps the hidden face is truly
a mystery that conjures imagination
and fills the soul with inquisitive glee.

—Jesse LoVasco

Jesse LoVasco is a poet and artist who currently published the book Native with Homebound Publications and finds poetry to be her grounding anchor during these times.