Hard Hallux,
bearing the graceful turning
of her ballet body and
bloodying the gritty stage,
once performed
as a pink, piggy-pointer,
Saturday-soaked with
nine sisters and cousins
tapping in the tub,
Philco radio awash with strut
Once performed
as a naked conductor
of soap 'n suds symphonies,
music splashing down
wet backs of violins,
curved necks of saxaphones
Bold groaner, now,
supporting stiff Capezio weight,
a bonsai garden of calluses
whetted by the twin agonies
of pleasure/pain disguised in
sequined ruffles, tiaras,
diaphanous gowns
Distraught digit...
if asked its opinion,
has long desired only
that its nail grow an edge,
be bathed in polish and
it be allowed to squeeze
alongside sisters and cousins
in open-toed summer sandals
