Dancing on the Edge of Forever: Songs of Loss

Songs of Loss

The ancient French painter was losing his sight

He strove against time to complete his last work

And seeking his way through the pale fading light

The task in his mind that he never would shirk.

And though his old eyes had long since become mist

And since his wife passed, so distraught and alone

And through all his cares his impressions persist

He painted the lilies ere eyesight had gone.

The stormy composer no longer could hear

No longer would know the piano's rich tones

No harp nor a trumpet brought sound to his ear

But still he remembered sweet music he'd known.

Immortal Beloved, his memories grim

To finish the passionate opus his aim

Beat time for the music with all eyes on him

In stony cold silence -- his greatest acclaim.

So exquisite lady, most graceful of all

From lands of the panda, she danced in the east

Her smooth flowing movements were stilled by a fall

With courage and spirit she never will cease.

Now peerless Liu Yan now guides others to dance

Her hands just as graceful as ever before

Enchanted expression of movement romance

And New worlds of motion her spirit explores.

Ethereal singer so wistfully longs

The nightingale sings no more sweetly than she

Too cruel adversity silenced her song

Despair in her heart, so despondent she'll be.

But never defeated by evils foregone

Her strong minded will shall prevail over fate

With determination the race shall be won

The prize to the resolute runner awaits.