She Couldn't Dance

He who cannot dance puts the blame on the floor ~ Hindu Proverb

In the kingdom of many boos 
there once lived a danseuse 
who just couldn’t dance

With her two twisted feet 
So she hid her hooves

Hemming and hawing 
at the drummer’s beat
Scared, that the public 
would make her vamoose
she made up one after 
another lame excuse
One day she’d say 
the darn music was wrong
Another day she’d say 
the wind was too damn strong
Some days she’d curse   
the swinging stage door
Yet most often she blamed 
the gleaming dance floor 
This lady always had a ruse
Oh what an absolute goose 
this oblique, obtuse danseuse

Author's Note

"A Bad Workman Always Blames His Tools"

Reviews

[JMichael]

It's a clever proverb you lead into the poem with, as is the more common English proverb in your Author's note. It's a sad fact of life that there are many dancers who blame the floor for their own inadequacies. If they seriously bothered to learn and address their mistakes, instead of hiding behind them and blaming all and sundry, then perhaps they would become much better dancers instead of dragging along with two left feet. It's a smart poem, Pestonjee, and one which can be related to many facets of life in general. Exit stage left, perhaps? Original writing and well conveyed.

[AJNJ]

Thank you Mr. Picasso.

[JMichael]

You are wonderfully welcome, Pestonjee!

[AJNJ]

You too dear sir :)

[gram linski]

great word play in this, Pestonjee, the way she dances around not dancing was very clever, you have sense of wit and humour in your twinkle toes and a sense of rhythm in your musical beat good poem

[AJNJ]

Some poems just come to us in a flash and leave words dancing across the page. There's very little we have to do. Just a few nips and tucks here and there and thats it. Thanks a ton, sir for this great review!

[emmajoy]

I frowned and smiled start to finish with your words. Went from the dancer's part then from the spectator's. Seems dancing askew is easy to do., especially rhymed with a grin on your face, rather than a flitting on stage. Perhaps. Question: when writing this .. could you see the dance movements first or.. the words?

Near missed your Author's note..

[AJNJ]

This poem was visualised with a female dancer doing the epic Indian dance form called, 'BharatNatyam'. SInce this poem is based on a folklore on similar lines...I pictured the dance movements first...her movements all graceless and awry, killing the great art form. When I discovered the English Prover in the author's note, I was delighted how universal some thoughts and concepts are.

Thanks a ton, Ms. EmmaJoy! I'm sorry I havent been around to read you lately. I hope to address that very soon. I hope all is well in your world and you are all smiles now!

[emmajoy]

Your message above inspires me even more to research the everything of what you've written.. there's so much to learn.. and will try Life goes on.. somehow, thank you. Please take care of yourself, keep safe.

[AJNJ]

Yes, much to learn....for us all...I'm doing my best to survive. It's a daily battle in a city under siege by covid. Thanks.,,your good vibes will help a lot,

[emmajoy]

The virus seems able to attack from all sides and not enough is being done to control it. Individuals must protect selves. As for governments, they're relaxing restrictions too quickly. Is irrational and utterly evil.

Please keep safe, take care, Pestonjee.

[AJNJ]

Yes! They've left us to our own devices. The opening up means we build our own bunkers. Thanks...please take care you too....

[Pennywriter]

Enchanting writing style, fit for a tale.

[AJNJ]

Thanks a lot my friend.

[Paul Bell]

Dancing always looks easy when others are doing it, but hey, rave music, you just jump in rhythm with the rest of the crowd. I myself like dancing up to the bar and getting a drink, and the sooner i get back to it the better.

[AJNJ]

Yes...dancing comes easy after a few...Without it, I just come off looking like I'm desperately trying to locate my prick to shag...

[augustus]

When I dance (which is a rare event) I'm all fingers and toes! (If you see what I mean)

[AJNJ]

Trying to visualize that now... :)
Thanks a lot for the visit!

[Jimmy Yetts]

Great word-play.
Even "lame" excuse fits very nicely.
Last two lines, brilliant!

[AJNJ]

Thanks a lot for appreciating this piece!

[Dave Brown]

very well written as usual
It reminds me of my grandson who took piano lessons but was too upset to do anything in front of an audience
I see you survived the storm

[AJNJ]

The storm was overhyped here, it petered off... :)
Thanks very much for the review

[sonnie ibadah]

I like the flow of this, well penned.

[AJNJ]

Thank you so much :)

[¿]

Now that's slightly me humorously. The detergent is mild if I can't wash clothes properly😆
Cooking excuses are easier than cooking lustrous meals. Also there's nothing on top of the Mount Everest when it comes to conquering it! Many many models on this criteria I can showcase. Still your poem would stay ahead. I love roasting poems :D

[AJNJ]

I always blame the vacuum cleaner when the house is dirty. And I blame the masalas when my curry goes wrong 😄 It’s never my fault Tahsin. I’m perfect you know. If you give me a pen and plain paper, I can write a Shakespearean sonnet in like 10 minutes but I can’t because the neighbors kids are making too much noise and the lights in my room are too dim and my brain is having a stomach ache heeheehee!
Thank you my sweet friend for such a lovely lively review 🤗🌹

[AJNJ]

And now my stomach is having a headache too 🤣 Gosh! When will my troubles end!

Stay safe 😅 Happy Monday!

[¿]

😅😅😅 kidney mein heart attack? You're innocent as long as the troubles are around to accuse, iykwim!
You are welcome Jee, always🍀🍀

[AJNJ]

Lol! You hit the nail on the head. Hope you’re safe and enjoying your evening 😀

[John the Baptist]

If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat. this poem/fable illustrates the point of that saying nicely. Too many resort to excuses to cover their insecurities.

[AJNJ]

One of my favourite proverbs! Thank you very much sir!