The gesture

Danseuse ajustant sa bretelle, 1895-96, Edgar Degas 

Adjusting the strap

is a pain for the dancer,

sweat yet tense,

diligently squatting

in tight tutu pas,

to restore the balance

excused from the class.

Luckily a stranger

entered the stage

with old camera,

said, he’s artist

his age? –

not so important,

he’s ready to help,

but first –

wants her to pose

for study of ballet girls –

a photo sketch

before the portrait.

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