Dance off

Posturing and drama benefits no one - might as well dance

The Sharks and The Jets

lined up

~~ toe to toe ~~

Flick-combs parrying the blows 

in the dimly lit alleyway

But brawling - No!

...past caring...

Who 

brought the bazooka to

the knife fight?

Bystanders stood around

Waiting

to be told

'Nothing to see here' 

They moved along 

Reviews

[Jimmy Yetts]

A smart, perceptive portrayal.
Sure wish they used "flick-combs" where I came from; more than once, had my hair combed with a switchblade. Also, often brought fists to a knife-fight and--three times--my knife to a gunfight. Encounters during which I did not prevail. (Sure could have used that bazooka!)
Entertaining--and meaningful--read.

[Tony Jordan]

Lol. I hear ya Jimmy.
Nobody argues over here unless they're 'connected'.
Thank you Jimmy

[Mary]

Here come the Jets:
Little world, step aside!
Better go underground,
Better run, better hide!

I love the reference to West Side Story in your poem- who brought the knife to the dance off? Who brought the bazooka to the knife fight? Sadly the events in the bar in Kansas, killing one and wounding two others are brought to my mind as I read this poem. The killer actually went home to get his gun! Added to my favorites.

[An owl on the moon]

Ah, I love the reference to the musical, and how you transform the scene, pull back from the dark alley, and make us feel as though we are all there wondering what's to come. Wanting to linger just a little longer.

[Pete]

there are many types of dancing - desire, deceit, step, break, fear etc. Might as well dance rather than posture though. No one usually wins anyway. puffed up chests with fire power. nothing to see here - just move it along. clever analogy. enjoyable, thought provoking write Tony.