In a Delicate Solo Waltz

In a delicate solo waltz,

I put my feet back, then put my feet forward,

Jerking my body smoothly in a push-and-pull of gestures.

In a delicate solo waltz,

I raise my head upwards, then tilt it back down,

Letting my eyes trace where the body cannot.

In a delicate solo waltz,

I extend my hand towards— then draw it back swiftly

Drifting my fingers through the air.

I’m pretending that I’m stepping around somebody,

Placing my feet strategically,

And at the end of every song wave and bow to the audience.

Yes— and a double waltz

Is an intricate flirting of skirts and crossing of steps,

Each knowing that if the music ended the game would be done.

But as the waltz plays on let us spin around

And pretend and pretend and pretend.