12.5

I remember when this was the song of my people. And when I say my people, I mean my fellow dancers. But I really mean just me. I can’t recall if my mom sort of forced this onto me, or if it started with my Godmother. It does sound like something my mom would do.. But I kind of liked it. She has a pretty voice, and it definitely rang true to me.

My godmother is the one who gave me the CD. She wrote an inscription inside the case, which the only reason I still have this at all. It was a gift at one of my dance recitals. Usually people gave me flowers, but those always wilted and shriveled. These are the performance gifts that I liked. I could cherish it for as long as I wanted. Or for as long as CD players still exist.

I don’t think this singer ever became too well-known. Unless I just completely missed it. Which is possible! No matter what, this song will always be a part of my dance career, as short as it was. I just don’t really know what to do with the CD. I’d feel guilty if I just threw it away. It was a gift from someone who can’t afford to lavish those she loves like she wants. It meant the world that she gave me anything at all.