The Unbidden .

From the first time I looked into your eyes, I knew you would never love me.

At that, my heart shattered, and I swear it was audible, for your once-relaxed face fell upon me with pity. 

"Oh, dear Columbina, you who dance so gracefully, you who sing so elegantly, you who'll never love me, dance with me this dreadful night; won't you please just hold me."

And when our hands met, I wished that time would stop; I wished that we would forever dance entwined.

But seldom do wishes come true, and soon you had withdrawn.

Through the night I looked for you, longing for yet another dance, but by the time I found you, you were already in the arms of another.

I do confess my eyes watered at the sight; for I had never seen such a smile prior to the one on your face then. 

For the first time that night, you looked genuinely happy, and for the first time in my life, I was lost.

What was I to do?

When it was so clear in front of me that no matter what I tried, I would never earn your favour, for someone else already held it, as he held you. 

What was I to do?

I was to do nothing; I was to remain silent, and let the pain poison my heart.

What was I to do?

I was to smile; I was to laugh; I was to cry.

I was to dance, dance for the crowd's amusement, as my heart eroded; I was to laugh as each look in your direction felt like a stab in the heart. I was to dance, for it was required of me. 

Dance, and they will all applaud.