Kevin Wald: Love of the Dance


I danced for a shadow in the great big hall
Before my twin in the mirrored wall.
A voice emerged from where the room went black;
The shadow spoke, and his name was Zach.

   "Dance, dance, whoever you may be,
   For you're in love with the Dance," said he,
   "And I'll choose just eight to come and dance for me,
   And I'll lead those eight in the Dance," said he.

I danced when my sister chose to dance no more;
I stuffed some socks in the shoes she wore,
And danced in her classes, for my soul well knew
That *that* -- the Dance -- was something I could do.

   "Dance, dance . . .

I danced in the room with the barre yea-high,
Where all was beautiful and so was I,
A simple chamber, not a pleasure-dome --
It wasn't paradise, but it was home.

   "Dance, dance . . .

I danced like a dervish till my hopes grew dark;
They cursed my form with a trinal mark.
I had the sculptor work his art for me,
For cash, up front and fundamentally.

   "Dance, dance . . .

A twisted leg felled a man in line;
Zach asked what I'd say if that leg were mine.
I sang a ballad of an old romance --
My rueless love for the art of Dance.

   "Dance, dance . . .

I danced in a garment made of gold that shone,
And sang the praise of the One Unknown;
She walks in beauty, like the stars above --
But merely walks, so she is not my love.

   "Dance, dance, whoever you may be,
   For you're in love with the Dance," said he,
   "And I'll choose just eight to come and dance for me,
   And I'll lead those eight in the Dance," said he.