For the Dance

for the dance knees ache after all of the years tending floors of oak and ash. scraping through waltz-worn varnish. scents of turps, aged wood float on heat waves above his head. back strained beyond bearing. chandeliers mock the stars bright crystal flames. silks and satins whisper whirling colour kaleidoscope; ceremonial swords softly rattle. dancing slippers guided by dress boots polished to a striking gleam glide smoothly on his floor. music bursts from doors; windows open to the night. voices murmuring, in dusky gardens heedless of the floor keepers plight.