Dance Lessons (3/4 time)
Like an ice-sheet
in the Antarctic
broken, then joined,
go foot to foot
as if finding, or
at least as if searching.
Rule: lean against
your own shoulders, and
hold your back straight,
lift your spine as if
about to go downhill.
Step: your arm on
his shoulder, like
a spear on the word,
his left arm around
your waist like a bulb
coming into flower.
Now a step towards
then a step away
and then, like water,
pour yourself out
before your thirsty partner.
Rule: look straight
into his eyes,
even if a gorgon
is reflected there.
Adjust to his steps
as if to new shoes.
Step: as if the moon
exploded, and your
feet were the pieces.
Spinning round the centre,
round your spinning head,
the dance encircles you
like a lace train.
Make a new rhythm
with your pulse and his.
That’s all. And now
let’s take it from the top.
Play the music again!