I can see it in my minds eye so clearly. Poses, spinning around the pole. Beautiful, graceful, with intention and feeling. And when I’m done, the tears fall down my face, as the call my name. I step on the tallest platform, shining like the brightest star, as I accept my Olympic gold medal. It comes at night, when I’m trying to sleep. It comes when I show up to work hours early to train. It comes as I sew my own costumes and make my own make up. A hot mess of glue and glitter, everywhere, slicing my fingers open crafting, my tears, blood and sweat going into my craft.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is what you don’t see in my performances. 
