Dancing By Myself

Dancing by myself

I remember,
the first time,
you put your hand in mine,

the same as you did,
ten thousand times later

I remember,
that first dance 
at our wedding...
oh so many years ago,

with our friends and loved one's
watching and smiling 
and crying tears of joy for us

I remember,
my arm around your waist,
and we were swaying to the music
underneath the stars, 
in the moonlight

I remember,
seeing love's reflection...
as we gazed into each others eyes,

I remember,
feeling the solace, 
comfort and the love in the dance

I remember,
each dress that you wore,
with each dance, 
how perfectly it fit,
and how,
we too,
fit perfectly together

I remember,
the fragrance you wore,
with each dance,
oh... how I remember, 
your touch,
your taste, 
your yearning, 
your passion
with each tango, 
with each waltz

I remember,
your smile,
as you looked at me,
with that look of love,
that look...
that smile
is forever etched
in my mind and in my heart's memory

You are unforgettable to me...
even, as you fade away from me, 

I am not even a memory...to you
I am the invisible man, 
standing right in front of you,

and you have disappeared, vanished,
from view...
hiding in your own mind's reality

So now, 
with tears 
streaming down my face,

I put on the music, 
and,
it soothes and comforts me,
as I dance by myself...

remembering...
you.



September 10,2017
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Roper Avatar
March 7, 2018 at 9:33 PM
Congratulations on your win :'~) enjoyed reading ! Hugs Eve ~`*
Hamilton Avatar
March 8, 2018 at 8:39 AM
Thanks Eve, glad you enjoyed!
Scars Avatar
March 5, 2018 at 6:36 AM
oh dear John..I can hear the melody behind your words. So freeing and beautifully sad.
Hamilton Avatar
March 5, 2018 at 8:41 AM
Thanks Laura, it still brings a tear when I read it, even with my wife back home it brings such sad memories, thanks for the contest placement!
Michaels Avatar
December 3, 2017 at 12:16 PM
Such a sad write, John. I hope one day soon you'll be able to dance together again. All the best, John.
Hamilton Avatar
December 4, 2017 at 1:53 AM
Thanks John, I appreciate your kind words!
Inman Avatar
October 28, 2017 at 8:49 AM
A beauty John, filled with longing and hope.
Hamilton Avatar
October 28, 2017 at 12:27 PM
Thanks James, my wife is slowly improving so there may be hope after all!
De Beaulieu Avatar
October 24, 2017 at 2:18 PM
I do that to. In remembrance of the dance my husband and I once had. It is sad for me to remember this.This poem tugged at my heart when reading it. I understand your memory, and dancing alone. Have a nice day my friend.
De Beaulieu Avatar
October 25, 2017 at 3:15 PM
Hello John,I know exactly what you mean. I am a widow now for 1 year and 7 months. I have been with my husband for 6 years and married for 4 years. I am experiencing it. I find it lonely. Have a nice day my friend.
Hamilton Avatar
October 24, 2017 at 8:36 PM
Thanks Darlene for your nice comment, it is very hard to be alone after 37 years of marriage, a feeling unfortunately many have experienced.
Sietesantos Avatar
September 23, 2017 at 4:30 PM
Hi John, this sad but beautifully written piece really tugged at my heart. I can only imagine how emotionally difficult it must be for you, my friend, to cope in this heart-wrenching situation. I am keeping you and your dear wife in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of hugs. Pandita
Hamilton Avatar
September 23, 2017 at 8:03 PM
Thanks Pandita it is very difficult but it looks like some progress was made today! I appreciate your kind thoughts and sentiments.
Neumann Avatar
September 22, 2017 at 1:00 AM
This is wonderfully bright and sad and a memory to be cherished. I lkie the dance. Kai
Hamilton Avatar
September 22, 2017 at 9:38 AM
Unfortunately it's true, my wife is being treated for mental illness, she is unrecognizable, and has no understanding of what she is doing, so unbelievably sad. Thanks for the visit and nice comment!
De Beaulieu Avatar
September 20, 2017 at 9:02 PM
Hello John, you do have some good memories of the good moments in your life. Remember them always. Have a good evening my friend.
Hamilton Avatar
September 21, 2017 at 9:04 AM
Thanks Darlene for your visit and kind words!
Ashley Avatar
September 18, 2017 at 7:31 PM
Hi John, a completely captivating write so lovingly written and stunningly beautiful in its intimate imagery. I was entranced by the dance of your words. My very best wishes for you and for your lovely wife's recovery my friend :)
Hamilton Avatar
September 18, 2017 at 8:09 PM
Thanks SO much for your kind words Susan, it looks like the road to recovery is long and winding, but she is worth the wait.
Allison Avatar
September 16, 2017 at 1:01 PM
such an emotional write John I hope that one day your wife will be well again you will be dancing together again but from what you say it will take time. stay strong and keep writing:-) hugs jan xx
Hamilton Avatar
September 16, 2017 at 2:49 PM
Thanks Jan, I'm going to the hospital now, so hopefully there is good news waiting, it's hard waiting for a change that may never happen, but thanks for the kind reminder to stay strong, writing is even harder now, but I'll keep trying!
Williams Avatar
September 16, 2017 at 7:23 AM
An emotional write my dear friend, nothing so sad as listening to a favourite tune and remembering how it used to be with that special someone who now no longer remembers those times with you. Extremely touching write.Take care....Maria
Hamilton Avatar
September 16, 2017 at 10:51 AM
Thanks Maria, it is almost an impossible task to make it through each day, she was my inspiration and now she thinks I'm trying to harm her. After 22 years of a happy marriage we are separated not by choice but by an illness, that may not respond to treatment. Thanks for your kind words today!
Daniel Avatar
September 15, 2017 at 6:47 AM
This is deep and coming from your heart, John, and lovely. I'm sorry I didn't know that your wife was not well, will uphold both of you in my prayers, friend:)
Hamilton Avatar
September 15, 2017 at 11:47 AM
Thanks Jo, it is very sad, and very sudden, thank you for your visit and kind thoughts and I do appreciate the words of encouragement!
Warrior Avatar
September 14, 2017 at 10:01 PM
Heart felt my friend...heart felt!...one does not really know...until you have lost something...and you have my friend...I can relate as well...and by the grace of God, may you regain and heel again...great verse John...god bless you and your lovely wife...^WW^
Hamilton Avatar
September 14, 2017 at 10:17 PM
Thanks so much WW she spoke to me today and recognized me! Wow that's miraculous! 2 weeks into treatment and a sliver of hope appears, the doctors say generally 6 weeks for the meds to really do the trick, here's hoping and praying!! Thanks for all your encouragement, take care kind one!
L  Avatar
September 12, 2017 at 9:25 PM
Beautiful as always, your love will carry you through. Laura
Hamilton Avatar
September 12, 2017 at 11:14 PM
Thanks Laura, I appreciate the visit and nice comment!
Onclaud Avatar
September 12, 2017 at 11:56 AM
what a heartfelt write that touches me so, john!.. beautiful! kindly help... please PM me on how to open my comment box on my page... i don;t know why it says 'Poet has turned off commenting.'.. i did not allow this.. thanks and huggs!
Hamilton Avatar
September 12, 2017 at 3:53 PM
Thanks Nette, I do appreciate your kind words, I'm not sure how I can help, maybe talk to admin, I didn't do anything that I'm aware of.
Loepppky Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 4:07 PM
Heart rendering my son. I am crying with you as well. You will dance with your loved one again. XOXO MOM
Hamilton Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 7:09 PM
Thanks Mom, she received her first full dose today, hopefully the medicine will work and bring her back. Thanks for your constant love and concern, it really helps.XOXO back to you!
Lane Avatar
September 10, 2017 at 4:42 PM
Your heart cries for what was, and my heart is crying for you. This song and your melancholia are a perfect fit, John. You're not alone...praying.
Hamilton Avatar
September 10, 2017 at 7:33 PM
Thanks Lin, if not for prayer and the love of family and friends I would not be standing till now. I do feel comforted, although I fear this will take a long time for resolution!
Sands Avatar
September 10, 2017 at 1:45 PM
John, this sure does say it all. Very heartbreaking. Keep on writing through this. You are very talented.
Hamilton Avatar
September 10, 2017 at 4:13 PM
Thanks Heidi.
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