Poetry, The Key in the Door and other poems

Dance

No, this isn’t a sedate ritual

like your afternoon tea.

There’s no prescribed pattern,

no choreography of steps.

This is simply music, and dance

and feelings, yes, feelings.

Come, try it; dance with me.

Let your whole body feel

the music, respond to the rhythm.

Loosen that propriety of buttons

Leave inhibition behind the desk

or hanging on a hook.

Wear something bright and

frivolous, or imagine you do.

Let the rise and fall of the music

dictate the steps and how your

body moves. Feel that rhythm.

Twist and turn with the tune.

Allow the music to unravel

your tangled worries and sweep

them aside. Trust in me.

I’m holding you safe.

I should have warned you about

the flush of pleasure and laughter

that might take you by surprise.