Rainer Maria Rilke - The Spanish Dancer lyrics

As a lit match first flickers in the hands Before it flames, and darts out from all sides Bright, twitching tongues, so, ringed by growing bands Of spectators—she, quivering, glowing stands Poised tensely for the dance—then forward glides And suddenly becomes a flaming torch. Her bright hair flames, her burning glances scorch, And with a daring art at her command Her whole robe blazes like a fire-brand From which is stretched each naked arm, awake, Gleaming and rattling like a frightened snake. And then, as though the fire fainter grows, She gathers up the flame—again it glows, As with proud gesture and imperious air She flings it to the earth; and it lies there Furiously flickering and crackling still— Then haughtily victorious, but with sweet Swift smile of greeting, she puts forth her will And stamps the flames out with her small firm feet.