BEING IN NUTCRACKER
I was about thirteen when our small ballet school
Put on the Nutcracker ballet, rehearsals were quite cruel,
Three evening a week, at least four hours on Saturday
We all hoped that loud applause would come our way.
Quick changes for everyone, no time to have a rest,
Most in turn having a lead roll, that was the best.
Seven performances including a Saturday matinee,
Being excused homework was a gift that came our way.
Each time I was the Sugar Plum Fairy, in the chorus every time,
Every one of us worked very hard to be at our prime.
Then Friday came with only three more performances to do,
Monty, who played King Rat, came down with the flu,
I was understudy for this hard, great important part,
I must admit my knees knocked, frail became my heart.
I hoped I could do it, I knew that part so very well
And except for pink toe shoes, being a girl, no one could tell.
Although twice I landed gently on pointed toe shoes,
You should have heard the shouts and all the ooh’s.
A week of fame, though not fortune came our ballet school’s way.
Now much older once more King Rat in Nutcracker I’d love to play.

(Millicent) Ann Margetson 5 May 2004