Butoh Poem by Sheena Blackhall

Butoh
I watched an old man dance, a living ghost
His face was melted tallow, smeared with tears

His arms were wax, as thin and gaunt as wire.
He danced like Death that stalked Hiroshima
That fell down from the clouds, dire Armageddan

He danced like human remnants stepped from the fire.
He danced like a planet shrivelled, vaporised

His white arms stretched, his thin legs writhed and spun
On a bleak stage, his blue lips mouthed a curse