flash by lauren voeltz

How to Shine Like A Star

Strap on your pink toe-shoes, even though they are far too tight. Fluff the tulle, tighten the choker, find a patron in the back to give you funds.

Exposure.

Straighten your hair when he sends you back to rehearsal with a pat on the behind.

Dance dance dance in the circle until your toes bleed and the room feels like a haven and the parents, the peers, the teacher with his long walking cane slamming fades until you see yourself in the mirror and don’t believe your own eyes.

Lauren Voeltz reads, writes, and drinks coffee; all of these (maybe) too much. You can find her work at trampset, Lumiere Review, FlashFlood & Brilliant Flash Fiction. Follow her @mattnwife