Growing up, I wrote poetry long before I wrote prose. I don’t do it so much any more, but every now and then something happening in the world at large, or at small, inspires me to write a poem. This one came because of the tentative joy I felt when I became a full citizen of my country – when marriage for people like me convincingly became part of our emotional vocabulary. For the first time in our lives.
(I intended to read this at my wedding celebration, but people were hungry so I kept it in my pocket.)
Waltz of the Souls
Standing opposites
in this great Great Room,
trembling
for each other’s hand.
Glances bounce,
heads bow,
hearts
Rise and Fall.
Smiles guarded,
rise and fall.
Polished shoes, twisting.
Will he who dare move
suffer the spurn?
Or will both be engulfed,
and lifted onto the floor
to revel
ecstatic
in this madness?
Are we?
Are we?
Worthy
of this
grand promenade?
As all the world
dances round,
Rise and Fall, rise and fall.
Laughing, loving, living.
Still.
We
Hesitate.
One two three,
one two three.
Anxious, stubborn.
Will neither of us
bow
to a force
stronger than both?
But suddenly,
simply,
like a step in this waltz,
I love you! escapes,
and expands this great room.
Though no touch,
no taste,
no scent
penetrates
this fine tune,
Those words
stir
These hearts.
And our souls have gone dancing!
M
© All Rights Reserved
Write more poetry! Powerful mix of love and tension. “Polished shoes, twisting.” is my favorite line.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, G! Sharing poetry makes me squeamish – I imagine people wincing at each line. But I will keep writing nonetheless!
LikeLike
Beautiful. Poignant. Made me cry.
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Thank you, Gary! I love the encouragement!
LikeLike