Natalia Chislova

Oh, I simply do not know where time has gone.

I consider myself a dancer. My life was dedicated to gracious jumps between lovers, synchronizing movements with friends, creating a show for onlookers. Supporting cast came and went, while I - the star - worked hard, spun, tiptoed, constantly enhancing my appearance.

Years have become a tally of dances I've danced and partners I wanted to invite back on the stage. But every night, every day, the show had to go on. New people. New places. In the end, left with vague memories and a half-constructed, half-remembered timeline of arenas and persons that hardly fit together, it all seems irrelevant.

So I tell The Lie.

Oh, I simply do not know where time has gone.

But of course I do. I was on stage, perfecting my show. And it was marvelous - the audience would've been mesmerized, the critics raving, the world dazzled.

I just wish someone had been looking.