Dancers

Went to see some dancers dance
And marveled as they moved.
Their bodies were in perfect shape
And could not be improved.

Such discipline they must endure,
The hours of practice spent
To get to where they are –
The sacrifice is evident.

And yet, I wondered, as I watched,
What happens as they age?
Where will they be when they no longer
Can command the stage?

They love their craft, but likely
Will not garner fame or riches.
For artists, struggles such as these
Are the expected glitches.

But for today, they leaped and stomped
And dazzled for the crowd.
Their joy was etched upon their faces
As they smiled and bowed.

The future is so far away
And they are in no hurry;
But as I clapped, I thought of it
And couldn’t help but worry.