Solo Dancer

Memories of former times and the freedom of liberation

(sequel to Sway)

 

Just one, just me

  alone in the quietness,

away from prying eyes,

music playing softly.

Remembering her,

remembering those nights;

our smiles, laughter,

our wordless thoughts,

the sensation of just being ....

 

My eyes closed, small steps,

one step, two ... one step, two,

remembering the sensation

  of just being someone else,

the warmth of someone, something;

a friendship feeling only we know.

Movements awkward,

it doesn’t matter, but

  just to move,

stepping forward, back,

supported by crutches,

cumbersome, but

  it’s okay, it’s just me and ‘her.’

Remembering ‘Sway.’

 

The longing, the waiting,

            something I’d rarely known,

            a feeling moving me within,

            moving soul deep!

            The way I felt, the freedom it gave.

            Feelings mutual unforced,

            the peace serenity in those moments,

            to be someone to someone.

 

Memories of holding her

  with no pretence, just us

  lost in a moment;

no words, just us.

Now swaying alone,

no one, just me, ‘just us!’

Movements awkward, but

  remembering the sensation of

  Sway!

           

Eyes closed, faltering steps,

her acceptance, understanding,

the freedom of that.

I smile in remembering those nights!

Just a thought, a feeling,

a memory, a sensation, but

  Oh, 'that Sway!’

Author's Note

A slight rewrite!

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Your writing stirs up a ton of ideas in my mind & I can't even put them all down here. The unmentioned aspect that stands out to me in your poem is how aware you are of the sensations of movement & how your poem is more of an ode to movement, than a celebration of this remembered "her" . . . as someone who's blocked out all-over pain most of my life (me), your poem makes me realize I hardly ever let myself think about how it feels to move. When I first started being unable to walk, about ten years ago, I had vivid dreams of walking . . . just walking . . . these dream flashes were all-consuming. Your poem is written with a similar sense of the all-consuming dream of movement. I feel inspired to get back in touch with my memories of being able to move! Here's hoping your 2019 is moving in a great direction for you (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Richard M]

Dear Margie, Always so appreciate your comments and insights. Thank you! I hadn't consciously considered the movement, but the 'her' (sincere thanks for that idea.) Thank you also, for the learning more of you. Take care my friend, go easy (((HUGS BACK))) xx

[Alla Antsis]

Richard, your poetry has a true meaning of SENSUAL! Intimate, personal, employed different senses, the hint of sexuality yet careful dance around it…. Very tender!

[Richard M]

Thank you Alla for reading. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[Cassie]

But why do good love always go away? you have expressed this so well

[Richard M]

Thank you Cassie for reading. No, not gone away. Michele and I are "best friends forever" and although we haven't seen each other for a long time, we talk about dancing together often. This will happen again many times in our friendship.

[Cassie]

Good to know that

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Richard, your poem so visual and I can see and feel those slow movements as you sway to smoochy music. Remembering with fondness how you felt and the freedom it gave you to be able to do this was well conveyed to this reader. It's sad that the she is no longer with you, but dancing solo will bring those good feelings you had back. A lovely memory brought to us. Happy New Year to you.

Chris

[Richard M]

Dear Chris, thanking you so much dear friend for reading my poem and appreciate so your understanding. This means a lot xx
Times with my Best Friend; the Sway will happen again.
Smoochy music! lol :)


Richard