We converse in actions
words inaccessible –
have not been schooled
in dialogues for two.
His clutter spreads
pronounce’s a kingly
presence, commands
attention, oppresses
I clean with insistence
shuffle papers, wipe up
crumbs, assert my right
to co-exist, belittle him.
Once we studied dance;
he learning to lead, I
to follow signals – the art
is lost on us now, our steps
more interference, blocking
an inconvenience, not a
strategy; we are rhythmless
tolerating avoidances
How did language fail us
experts now at skirting
delicate issues, retreating
into solo performances
Pray time will serve,
absolve the problem, but
distance grows in silent cracks
we only converse in actions.
(Marital Dance first appeared here in August, 2017.
I submit it here, edited, for Eugi’s Weekly prompt: dance.
Image my own.)
Loved it 🥰❤
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Thanks.
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Well-written with a touch of sadness. After all, connecting on the dance floor is special when it happens.
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Yes, it is. Thanks for dropping by.
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Thanks for all you do, Eugi!
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Maybe we have all danced that dance on occasion, but hopefully we have learned how to dance together more harmoniously.
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Definitely.
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I need a thesaurus to really tell you how well you delivered on this poem! Something about your poems always really catch my writerly heart. Your words are great, but you just know how to set a mood, and there’s always a simmering humor about it too, but maybe it’s just my reading of it. Great work!
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Very perceptive. A fellow writer once said he detected a note of cynicism in my work. I like “simmering humor” better. Might borrow that. Thanks.
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Okay, good I wasn’t over-assuming then. I didn’t see it as cynical, because it’s more endearing than that. But maybe we’re all a little cynical or realistic. Again: lovely work!
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follow back will be appreciated
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I typically follow back when the content fits my interests, however; the link from your comment takes me to an inactive sight.
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am new in WordPress.. trying my hand in penning down my thoughts..
is there anything wrong with the link?
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Yes, but I don’t know how to help. You’ll have to contact WP help.
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What an image you create with “distance grows in silent cracks”. This poem reminds me of my parents’ marriage when I was growing up. But amazingly, once I moved out (I was the youngest) that crack seemed to fill in and they became best friends again. Guess it was a kind of kintsugi.
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How wonderful that they could reconnect. All relationships are a dance, and sometimes we just get stuck on certain rhythms till someone or something incites change. Thanks LuAnne.
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Beautifully written, VJ.! I imagine this to be true of many relationships, sadly! Thank you for joining in.
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Thanks Eugi. I’m sure we all have moments of it – which this is.
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Most welcome!
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Wonderful image. It really compliments the tone of the poem.
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Thanks Heather.
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You’re welcome.
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So real and beautifully written.
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Thanks Teresa. Thankfully just a snapshot.
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We all have those snapshots! 😉
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As Leonard Cohen would say .. “Thanks For Dance” …
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Yes! It is a dance, isn’t it?
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Yes, a slow waltz 🎼😌
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It can be.
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Not the dance one wants to engage in with a partner.
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No, and gladly not indicative of our current situation, but I wonder about all the couples in forced lockdown who do not get along so well.
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Luckily my husband and I aren’t in the latter category. I’m sure there will be some divorces as a result of the lockdown, sadly.
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We’ve seen many divorces amongst our kids ages. Sad really, but I understand the pressure.
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