In front of me

You stand

In black and white

A 50’s dream

With suit-clad arms by your side

Raising up

As if lifted by clouds

To rest on my generous hip

And outstretched hand

As the music begins.

Behind me

Stands my past

With magnified eyes

Waiting for me to get lost

In the distraction of music

And misstep

Landing a sharp-as-a-knife-heel

In the heart of your foot

So they can shout

I KNEW SHE WOULD HURT YOU!

But what’s behind you?

I can’t see

For the room is too dark

From the extinguishing sneers of my past

Reducing the fiery passion

Creating tension between your body

And my own.

But I want to know so badly

Regardless of how hard you try

To stand in my way

I’ll step to the right

And see your face

I’ll step to the left

And you’re there with me.

Hold me close until the song ends

Until then,

We’ll keep dancing

In time and rhythm

Side to side.