No grasp of time 
 

I look out upon the dirty faces of children, each bright and smiling. Laughter flows from their lips as I move about the stage. The merchants too, in the town square stop to watch as they pack up their stalls. For them, the act is a pleasant break from routine.

I drift between the performers. I hear laughter, as the children exchange expressions of content. We have attracted a crowd. Peasants with their market goods have paused to watch; Let's hope they are feeling generous. My entire body is full of life. With every breath of laughter, I feel lifted and suddenly I am dancing about the stage. The crowd applauds. I am hovering in mid-air. My entire body is weightless, the feeling extending beyond the tips of my fingers and toes.

And all to quickly, it is over. The townspeople shouting and clapping with praise for our work. I smile, bowing low. The applause suddenly muffles and as I lift my head in confusion, I am faced with a red curtain. The smell of velvet is strong and clean.

The music begins as the curtain is peeled back from the stage. I gaze out across a large hall. A dining hall. Where are the children? The merchants? The village square? No time. The show must begin. We begin to retell the familiar story. I move at my cue. I am alive. Energy once more revives my being.

A faint chuckle drifts along the air. It is joined by more laughter. I begin again, travelling back and forth, gesturing to fellow performers. I waltz across the floor, spinning effortlessly, with instinct directing me. My every movement is dynamic and vibrant, exciting the small audience. I look out beyond the glare of the bright stage lights. I see a well-dressed couple seated in the centre of the hall. Both men and women, each one in formal attire surround the pair; the ladies in dazzling gowns and men in suits and top hats.

I fly once more, joined by more performers. We glide together, the motions of two merged into one, as the audience gazes on in awe.

Applause fills our ears and the gentlemen and ladies stand whilst clapping, their faces enthusiastic and happy. I bend deeply, my bow slow and long, taking my time and absorbing the positive energy. I feel a slight breeze and look up. I am faced with the red curtain.

A musty smell hangs in the air and as I glance at the velvet I notice it is wearing out in patches. I watch as it parts and gathers in two red clumps on either side of the stage. Clapping breaks the muffled conversations of the audience as the show begins. The crowd has grown instantly! No the ladies are gentlemen are not here. I stare disbelievingly out upon a vast crowd, young and old. Children gather at the front, look on eagerly. Not wanting to keep them waiting I begin the story, motioning to my fellow performers.

Once more I am full of life, moving about the stage tirelessly. I float along, interacting with the performers. The sound of laughter is loud as I entertain. With new confidence, I dance and dance, completely immersed in the moment. Faster, faster my feet lift from the stage. Something rough presses into my face and around my arm. My feet are suddenly restrained and the ground rapidly rushes up to meet my face. I hear the crowd gasp and then fall silent.

I lie there in a heap, unmoving. I cannot get up.

I hear a child's voice call out from the emptiness.

"Oh mummy! It is caught in its' strings!"

 By Jennifer Batchelor