Ilga Svechs is an associate member at the Cleveland Psychoanalytic Center TAP has previously published her poetry. She has a Ph.D. in developmental psychology and a master's of social work degree. In addition, she has an honorary degree from the Academy of Culture in Latvia and is also the recipient of the Cross of Acknowledgement from the Latvian government, which is its highest civilian award. She practices part time in psychotherapy and teaches at the Cleveland Psychoanalytic Center.
The graceful gliding of a swanmirroring calm waters—a powerful wisp of serenity.A ballerina's pirouette—grace from repetitive worksustained by applause from crowds with no face.Wherein the seed of love foregone?Did mother know my love for her? And the ballerina dances on…Does the swan's glide compensate for anything? Does the pirouette for needs unmet?The body is whole. She'll never know.
Sheri Butler, M.D., is an adult training and consulting analyst and a child consulting analyst in the child division at the Seattle Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. A published poet and member of TAP's editorial board, she welcomes readers' comments, suggestions, and poetry submissions at .