Dancing Doreen

...for Ralph McTell


Gorgeous in her gown of purple silk 
     she is exquisite. 
Her partner in his patent leather
(potent lover) shoes is the perfect fit.

They enter competitions where 
they always take first prize.
Gliding to the sounds of Guy Lombardo
they are the top-flight graduates of a 
well-respected dancing enterprise.

It is the night they have been waiting for -
the National Prize - and she is confident 
     that they will win the day.
When the judges read the scores they 
do not place... there's nothing she can say. 

Beside herself with disappointment
she seeks the spotlight as the orchestra 
plays 'Moonlight Serenade.' She twirls 
and curtsies in a transport of delight,

and she dances
                    dances
                         dances,
        long after there is any music...

Security is summoned,
       and then an ambulance,
            but nothing in the world 
                 can stop her dancing...
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Wesley Avatar
July 5, 2012 at 8:24 PM
Just couldn't take the disappointment; maybehanging on to the lost dream is all some of us can do. So sad Keith; Love, Elizabeth
Anish Avatar
March 30, 2009 at 7:17 PM
Nice tribute to a fine songwriter. Do you know the song "Streets of London". Keep up the fine work! Yours Matthew Anish
Devonshire Avatar
March 30, 2009 at 4:21 PM
Losing your quest for a long-sought dream can, indeed, bring out strange behavior. "Dancing Doreen" is an intriguing character in a very creative work, Keith!
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