Poetry

Poem of the Month
Dancing with Angela

White patent shoes. Grosgrain bow in her hair.
Crinoline fluttering: pink lace and net.
Pale ruffled bedroom and music box Brahms.
Waltzing with Daddy, she stands on my feet.
squeezes my thumbs as she calls out, “Mom, Watch!
“One – two – three. One – two – three.” Dancing in place.

I see my daughter when waltz music plays.
Tenderly, Stravinsky, Tennessee Waltz

Sixteen years and she’s in all pink again:
satin dress, new high heels, fresh made-up face.
Ritual dance, then the fun can begin.
I’m beaming down as she strikes up the band.
Silent lips move to mark beats for each step.
Eyes rolling, I’m counting, “Turn – two – three. One…”

Memories blur into daydreams denied.
Emmylou, Edelweiss, Goodnight, Irene

Wedding day after the walk down the aisle.
White satin shoes match her gown and her veil
Dinner, cake, bouquet toss, champagne and toasts,
Music she chose for our very last dance
I stumble, miss a turn. Angela laughs
counts at me “Careful Dad, Sweetheart – two – three”

Never a chance to see Angela grow
Bad Wisdom, Kenny Rogers, Strawberry Wine

Copyright 2007 Rebekkah Elliott

Published:
“Dragon’s Blood Perfume”
Aoife’s Kiss (Print Edition), June 2004

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