Ballet Lesson (poem) by Regis Auffray on AuthorsDen

Reviewed on August 15, 2014

Sentimental!

Reviewed on January 7, 2013

Wonderful poem filled with that much needed emotion. Thank you for sharing.

I am curious as to the line formatting/layout of this poem. By that I mean why you chose to, for example, have the word BEYOND by itself rather than together with the second line? And there are a few of those lines with similar formatting...

I am tempted to reformat the first stanza like this:

Beyond the crystal planets
of raindrops gathering on my windshield
I see across the valley
where dark evergreens mourn
with bowing boughs
the premature aging of new dwellings
in the hillside development
greying in the gathering dusk
of early fall

That is just my opinion...Take it as you wish...

Reviewed by KJ McPhee

Reviewed on February 8, 2011

It's a good thing for them, Regis; train their bodies and minds to dance to everlasting music from the likes of delibes and tchaikovsky.

I've got that Black Swan DVD. Haven't watched it yet, but one of these nights ....

Reviewed by Darkest Angel (Reader)

Reviewed on July 9, 2010

I love this one; it touches the spirit that needs for a better way and enjoys what is all in the same. Change is not always so great; sometimes it just sucks.

Reviewed by Margaret Mullings

Reviewed on January 20, 2010

An excellent write Regis!
Be encouraged and keep on writing!

Much Love,
Always!!!

Reviewed by Peter Schlosser (Reader)

Reviewed on August 30, 2009

My daughter should be entering this phase in a few years. Now I know what it'll be like. Thank you.

Reviewed by Nicole Weaver

Reviewed on July 12, 2009

Regis,
I can really relate to this! My daughter has been dancing since she was three years old. I hope and pray that if you have daughters that you are still very close to them.
Nicole

Reviewed by A Serviceable Villain

Reviewed on October 23, 2008

Regis,

A writer/poet extraordinare . . . I tip my hat to you!

Best regards,

Lance

Reviewed by Michelle Mead

Reviewed on April 26, 2008

This is so sad. I could see you in the car, like this was a film in my head. Great. Michelle

Reviewed by Staci Gansky-Wagner

Reviewed on October 15, 2007

awww sad but written so well.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Price

Reviewed on April 24, 2007

What dedication to your daughters. To sit and wait and not even get to watch. If you could watch you would see what beauty and awesome little girls you are raising. Ballet was meant for little girls, truly. Great poem. Liz

Reviewed by Janet Bellinger

Reviewed on March 15, 2006

I love the image of the rain on the windshield and the evergreens hunched over in grief, over the new housing developments. Superbly penned, as always.

Janet

Reviewed by Michael Ault

Reviewed on July 16, 2005

A very sad undertone and yet a seemingly joyful overtone. Impressive.

Mike

Reviewed by Poetess of The Soul Sheila G

Reviewed on July 11, 2005

This poem was such a joy to read Regis... Thank you.. very precise in thoughts and images, through a lesson. -Go Figure- That is AWesome of you to capture! and Rain is not negative in your eyes I can see.. Crystal planets on your windshield : ) Love it.. Rain is healing, a cleansing and birth to so much Beauty around us. YOur a Wonder Reg... Enjoy your night! love your poetry- So explicit-etc. Warmly- Lady,Sheee

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on July 10, 2005

Intrinsically beautiful, this seeming unrelated juxtaposition of topics.

I like it, Regis.

Ron

Reviewed by Denise Edwards

Reviewed on July 9, 2005

Excellent verses, Regis! A pleasure to read!

Reviewed by Tracey L. O' Very (Reader)

Reviewed on July 8, 2005

Reg you have so eloquently put this poem of truth. You are a master at expressing everything. I love this poem It is so so sad the evergreens that mourn... ... hide in the house where you cannot see them. Reg this is a message that I would really like all to read. all meaning the greedy ones and all that destroy and take selfishly ignorantly. I love this Reg. so sad. so so sad. Thanks my friend.xoox

Reviewed by Theresa Koch

Reviewed on July 7, 2005

Oh this was wonderful it touched my heart~*

Reviewed by Robin Labenberg

Reviewed on July 6, 2005

Regis,
You always amaze me with your talent..your last stanza is beautiful!

Reviewed by jude forese

Reviewed on July 6, 2005

luv the imagery in the first verse ... wonderingful poetic offering ...

Reviewed by Edward Lupinacci

Reviewed on July 6, 2005

The ballet of words is performed with grace and elegance
this was a true dance of spirit

Reviewed by Joseph* OneLight*� (Reader)

Reviewed on July 6, 2005

Well written Regis. I really like that last stanza.

Peace,
Joseph

Reviewed by Kate Clifford (Reader)

Reviewed on July 4, 2005

The depth of this write touches me deeply. Hugs. Great write.

Reviewed by Kate Burnside

Reviewed on July 4, 2005

Powerful, poignant and evocative, Regis... you have articulated something here that I kind of feel "in me waters" but have never found the image to express it. Sometimes, innocence and beauty amid a cynical and sickly jaundiced world can make us inwardly weep. Sometimes it is the cultured beauty that humanity should be striving towards as intelligent human beings (?!), and as typified by the potential of our growing children - but which is instead like the sounding of a gong, clanging out how far short we are falling, constrained by what we have created around us. Ahem - perhaps you now see why I have never put these thoughts into words - so I am just glad you have done it for me; at least, this is my spin on what you have written here. Whatever the intention of your write, its power lies in its being open to view its power, beauty and potential "through the eyes of the beholder". Bless you and thank you ALWAYS, Regis, for supplying us with beautiful poetry. LOL Kate xx

Reviewed by john zimmerman

Reviewed on July 4, 2005

evocative and deeply reflectibe

a thorough going good write!

pax,

john+

Reviewed by Chanti Niven

Reviewed on July 3, 2005

Dear Regis,
This beautiful picture drew my attention. As a dancer myself, I am always attracted to artistry in movement. The poem is deep and meaningful and ends so poignantly. Beautifully written.
Love and peace to you
Chanti

Reviewed by Judith Bailey

Reviewed on July 3, 2005

This poem goes internal to internal for nearly all your readers... and there are many. Good way to express your own poignancy too... the beginning of acceptance and healing.

Reviewed by Dave Harm

Reviewed on July 3, 2005

Excellent write... beautiful comparrision about how the life for one, can be the undoing for another...

Reviewed by Iva Lawson

Reviewed on July 3, 2005

I love the way you have blended finality with a new beginning. It represents the transitions we encounter as we walk through our lives. This piece flows effortlessly through those transitions and although melancholy and retrospective, it goes down smoothly.

Reviewed by William Bonilla

Reviewed on July 3, 2005

an outstanding write ..Regis
Your style is one of a kind
enjoyed

William ......Peace

Reviewed by Aberjhani

Reviewed on July 2, 2005

The lines of BALLET LESSON are as poised and balanced as a ballerina herself, at once prophetically foreboding and enchantingly captivating. The reader experiences a powerful sense of being mesmerized by a tragedy unfolding with beauty.

Reviewed by Carole Mathys

Reviewed on July 2, 2005

Beautifully poignant Regis, as only you can write!

Peace, Carole

Reviewed by Sue Hess

Reviewed on July 2, 2005

i agree with sherry this has many layers and so do you it would seem

Reviewed by SHERRY HEIM

Reviewed on July 2, 2005

Heartwrenching and introspective, the many layers of this wonderful write touch not only the heart but the soul of this reader.
Take care,
Sherry

Reviewed by Peter Paton

Reviewed on July 2, 2005

A sombre and reflective poem that touches the heart deeply
We should always bear in mind that the sun will rise again in the morning Reg
Peter

Reviewed by Nordette Adams

Reviewed on July 2, 2005

This write is as graceful as I envision the dancer pictured, an elegant offering, Regis, that reflects the soft currents of your soul. I read the last stanza as somber but with the rich mournful beauty of an adagio for cello. However, my reading may reflect my mood at the moment and not the poem. :-) Exquis, mon chou. ~~Nordette

Reviewed by Susan Barton (Reader)

Reviewed on July 2, 2005

very deep my friend!

Reviewed by Gwen Dickerson

Reviewed on July 2, 2005

Ah, the things of beauty that are sacrificed in the name of progress!
Wonderful write, Regis.

Reviewed by Maria Lupinacci

Reviewed on July 2, 2005

Regis,
This really touched me, my daughter is a dancer! Thanks for this beautiful, deep and meaningful write!

Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado

Reviewed on July 2, 2005

c'est magnifique, mon ami! bravo!!

(((HUGS))) and much love, ton ami a texas, karen lynn. :D

Reviewed by Janet Caldwell

Reviewed on July 2, 2005

I have a huge lump in my throat, can't swallow, squirming in my chair listening to Joan Baez, loving this poem, over and over. Happy 4th!

Love, Janny xoxoxo

Reviewed by Tinka Boukes

Reviewed on July 2, 2005

Oh this touched deeply,,,because it brought back such vivid memories of my little Michele and her ballet outfit the day she died...still have the suitcase with everything she was suppose to wear that day!! But never did again!!

Love TinkaSweets :(

Reviewed by OnepoetGem *the Poetic Rapper

Reviewed on July 1, 2005

cool piece Regis, sooner or later everything will be asphalt

Reviewed by Ron (sketchman) Axelson (Reader)

Reviewed on July 1, 2005

Enjoyed immensely...
Have a wonderful 4th Regis......

Reviewed by Richard Christopher Suarez (Reader)

Reviewed on July 1, 2005

Regis , You are quite a poet.
great one here.

Rich Criso Suarez

Reviewed by Felix Perry

Reviewed on July 1, 2005

When reality and out children form our images of what life should and can be the little things like their ballet lessons or little league take on a beauty that is only dearer then love.

Felix

Reviewed by Edwin Larson

Reviewed on July 1, 2005

A highly visual work Regis...A solemn and reflective piece that evolves with the darkening landscape you've painted so well. It puts the reader in the front seat of your car. Enjoyed this!!

EDL

Reviewed by George Carroll

Reviewed on July 1, 2005

Not long ago I watched Madame Butterfly in all its beauty and tragic ending. Will this art form be lost? That indeed would be a real tragedy. Marvelous pic and poem.

Reviewed by E T Waldron

Reviewed on July 1, 2005

In tears as the beauty of this splendid poem
must share the sorrow of reality.
A most marvelous word painting, Regis!

etw

Reviewed by Sarah Tagert

Reviewed on July 1, 2005

spectatular write! loved reading this!!

Reviewed by - - - - - TRASK

Reviewed on July 1, 2005

Nobody Believes (God) Does Dance_

I'd Said Years Past I Would Never Stop Dancing--Days Of Dancehalls Gone,The Moonlite River, Beaches a Maze Of Polution, Merky, Forlorn,
Only Those Dancing Memories Keeps (It) Me Alive_

Tear's For What's Left Of Ballet-Its Not Even Dirty Dancing --IT IS FILTHY Regurgitation...

Excellent Regis!

TRASK

Reviewed by Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner

Reviewed on July 1, 2005

Regis,

This is absolutely beautiful. Spectacular imagery and heartfelt emotion--top drawer!

(((((HUGS))))) and love, Karla. :(

Reviewed by Constance Gotsch

Reviewed on July 1, 2005

Wow. Your timing's impecible. Just at the moment when I wondered what the opening had to do with ballet, up the answer popped. I also like the crystal planets of raindrops. I never thought of raindrops as planets.

Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)

Reviewed on July 1, 2005

Sad piece here, Regis. Imagery first-rate. Heart palpitations? Many.