dancing with mom -
when I was just a wee one
my mom taught me to dance
to start, I balanced on her toes
but then steps more advanced
she showed me how to Fox Trot
(I could cut a decent rug)
also, waltzing and the Samba
but we'd mostly ... jitterbug
oh, that was my mom's favorite
that she always danced with Dad
I'd seen them do it here-or-there
(to perfection, I might add)
they had some mesmerizing moves
and a chemistry quite rare
a flow and rhythm, wondrous -
like they truly danced on air!
my dad worked many hours then
so to catch them was a treat
swinging tight to big band Jazz
with their twirling arms and feet
to watch them, smooth as butter
made my efforts seem quite weak
so when I could, I'd bother mom
for some shine to my technique
I wasn't half as good as Dad
still, 'twas special for us both
so every chance, we'd jitterbug
throughout my years of growth
when on my own, I'd often go
and stay with them a while
making time to dance with Mom
cuz it always made her smile
oh, some might find it trivial
but it bloomed in her with joy
as it danced us back to mem'ries
when she'd taught me as a boy
when MY wee ones came along
I taught THEM how to dance
so they can jitterbug now, too
and shake and twirl and prance!
well, Mom's now in her nineties
and her bones aren't very strong
but the other night we danced again
(tho' she didn't last for long)
we gently placed the self-same steps
even turned a couple spins
but it wasn't long before we quit
for the strength had left her limbs
some teary sparkles lit her eyes
and a smile adorned her face
for tho' a bounce had left her step
she'd danced her best with grace
we mightn't get the chance again
world spinning fast, it is
and Dad awaits hereafter, now
that last sweet dance is his
but someday when I'm slowing
and my seas of life grow calm
I'll look ahead with joy, once more ...
for the chance ... to dance ...
with Mom. <3
~ 1st Place ~ in the "Mother" Poetry Contest, Constance La France, Judge & Sponsor.
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