Do You Know This Dance?

I could be a network star

In the dance of avoidance
The steps have taken me a year or two to perfect
But I’ve got them now.

First, you have to really listen

To find out where the other is in the house

With quiet stealth, you head in the opposite direction.

Closed doors work well for pleasant pauses,

Intermezzo for tears or deep breathing.

If the other is sleeping in the living room

Make sure to SLAM the kitchen door.

The jolt awake adds finesse, though you have

To watch out for the odd guffaw.

This dance is a serious dance, like a tango.

All negative passion channeled fully.

Now sometimes you will be caught unaware

A sudden meeting in the hallway.

With that misstep, you must cover quickly—

A chasse aside, a half-pirouette--off and away,

Or perhaps a fake bow to pick lint off the carpet

Dance without music, singing, or sound

Silence works best; it permeates the work.

Lines may grow around your forehead and mouth

Frowning takes a toll on the skin

(And heart.)

I’d like to learn a new dance: a dance, waving goodbye

Jigging to lively music

Sashaying through the rooms 

Maybe a waltz through the kitchen

In my bathrobe or just a towel.

Rhumba with the husband,

That beloved, oblivious man,

Smiling again for no reason at all.

It would take me only one day,

No, one minute,

To learn the new dance

If the other could be sent on her way.


Copywrite 2007, Eileen Clemens Granfors