Charlotte Travieso: The Invitation to Dance

THE INVITATION TO DANCE

by Charlotte Travieso

The invitation to dance Was slow to come at first. For so long now They had seen each other From different sides of the moon Through the legs and arms Of other partners, already dancing.

He approached slowly, His eyes retreating when they Looked at her, asking. She always looked away, Ashamed, afraid, a little cynical. There were so many others. There was so much to be done.

This time he came With a glistening heart cloth, On solid mammal footing, His eyes fixed and true. Will you dance with me, he asked, And opened his heart cloth to her.

She saw gems and stones and jewels Of other worldly brilliance. She saw the pearl of great price. Her eyes needed time to adjust to the dazzlement. Her heart wanted time to offer thanks For the sureness of it all. And then

Yes, she said, oh yes, I will dance this dance with you.