The Spanish Dancer by Rainer Maria Rilke — Read

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.