Dance Poem by Emma Vander Dussen

there is a dance
that i no longer follow
it twists and turns through the air
with such a delightful grace
that it entrances the sight
and calls the heart to life
that it may follow the dance
that dance i no longer follow

I shield my eyes
refusing to see its beauty
denying the longing in my soul
I will not allow my feet
which tingle with desire
to touch the dance floor
My arms, which fight to rise
above my head, to spin, to swirl
are pinned to my side
I refuse, I refuse
I will not dance

oh foolish dancers!
so happy in your light steps
your flying leaps that lead you to the sky
to touch the clouds I dream about
to feel the winds kiss your cheeks and hair
and to land with a grace unknown to my
broken shattered form
do you not fear the fall?

no, never again will I dance
those graceful life giving steps
I will not flow with that melody
I will not move with those entranced
by the beauty they behold.
No, please forgive me, its not for me
that song you call trust
that step you call faith
no, I am shielded,
safe from the fall that inevitably comes
from that dance that you call love.