The Dance

3 Comments

The Dance

His hand extended, her arms opened as they began to move in time.
He taught her the steps he wished her to learn,
she eagerly sought to please.

The sweet music he played mimiced love.
That facade hung thick in the air like intoxicating smoke,
clouding her mind and dimming the truth.

The tempo demanding as she bent to his will.
His continuous addiction to the ball exhuasting,
while his punishments for her missed steps broke her.

Once spirited she learned the dance,
now countering his movements with hollow familiarity.
as humiliation and fear bind her to him.
Her resentment grows within his embrace.

His song has become poison in her soul.
His touch now acidic and painful as
a cresendo of abhorance sweeps over her
and she dares take steps of her own.

The tones of the music give away the love/hate
of their ballad.
Her rebelious steps grow faster than his own.
No more will she be led.

Forgotten strength takes hold as the beat changes.
Her partner unable to match pace as her own song
grips her and she breaks free of him.

His music no longer plays in her heart.
The years of his relentless and sinister forte are at an end.
Their dance is finally over.

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Auston commented on The Dance

08-21-2009

It is sad to even think of women being treated like something less than intelligent, individual wonders that they really are, but after so long of humiliation a girl can be broken beyond her own wish for freedom and expression. It is sad to see a girl broken down like this, but it often happens, especially to girls in my own age group thinking someone loves them, not realizing it's too late.

cameron

08/22/2009

Interesting that you note the age group, I was 21 when I married this man and had previously been a product of the foster care system. Much of my life as a child and young woman was spent in this fashion. I was lucky enough to have a brief reprieve during my 5 years adoption, but it wasn't long enough to really sink in until later in life. That you for being one of the good guys and for your kind words.

Chrisjan commented on The Dance

05-29-2009

A very realistic poem. Very well written ! As the words form lines, creating your story, it has a nice beat. Thanks for sharing.

cameron

08/22/2009

You're very welcome and thank you for the constructive feedback. Please pardon my delayed response, life's so very busy here! I'm glad to hear I haven't lost my touch ;) Thanks again

Bongky commented on The Dance

05-01-2009

some awakening there madam... but why dark poetry?

cameron

08/22/2009

Please pardon the delayed reply, and thank you for the encouragement. I chose Dark Poetry due to where the inspiration came from. The premise was dark, the actual experience even more so. And while it does have a lighter ending, the emotions of opression and resentment are still there when I think about it. I am focusing more on my happiness at being free from this man, though as I write the residual feelings are working themselves out.

Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion.

T. S. Eliot (1888-1965) American-English poet and playwright.

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