CHALK DUST

Chalk dust on coat sleeves settling softly on a studious arm

printing snow white patterns on worn out elbow patches

sagging with the weight of chronic repetition

Chalk dust disturbed by the steps of a flat toed dancing shoe 

flexed with pride as it dips into sole searching,

White powder taken into frictional confidence 

Chalk dust splashed by worry lines on muscled palms

Rising to meet the mighty challenge balanced ahead,

on a metal beam with measured imprints

Chalk dust smeared in sacred rite absolving human wrong

sticking in pious penitence to goosebumps on painted skin

Amidst the fervour of the redemption ritual

Chalk dust gathering around eight clenched knuckles

dipped with grim intent into the bowl of white ash

adding grit to steely determination

Chalk dust raked into rows, snorted in search of nirvana

The expected burst of energy is devoid of explosion

for another victim of devious substitution

Chalk dust on the classroom floor descends gracefully

forming white sprinkles like the final dance of moonglow 

waltzing in slow-motion with gravity