Life Is a Dance

Sometimes life is such a bore we run on automatic;
Then it’s time to tango for a dash of the dramatic.
Or when things are dull and only gusto will suffice,
We cha-cha or calypso to inject a dose of spice.

We hustle off to work each morning, foxtrot through the day
And hope that time’s electric slide just melts the hours away.
At clock-out time we say goodbye and jitterbug on out;
We hokey-pokey home because that’s what it’s all about.

Some easy days we waltz on by; we’re caught up in the swing
And lindy-hop or tap our way through all that life can bring.
We may go round in circles or, to deal with our despair,
Find someone we can partner with and do-so-do with flair.

For life is like a dance and we are held within its sway;
We dip and twirl and fake the steps, from polka to ballet.
The music of the atmosphere imbues us with its beat
And if we choose to hear it, we just follow with our feet.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Clark Avatar
June 18, 2026 at 12:38 PM
Oh, what a delightful look at life! Made me smile, which I'm sure was one of your intents when you penned this gem. Dancing is, after all, one of the more enjoyable efforts in which one can participate with abandon and glee! Thank your for sharing it with me. Jack Clark
Bauer Avatar
June 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Don’t know how you found this old favorite, Jack, but I’m glad you did! Thanks for the comment…
Kaufman Avatar
June 27, 2024 at 5:18 AM
Hi Ilene, I just discovered this wonderful energy full poem of yours with so much imagery. I must fav it. Blessings to you dear..
Bauer Avatar
June 27, 2024 at 8:01 AM
Thank you, Nancy! It’s always nice when someone finds and comments on an older poem. I appreciate it…
Peck Avatar
February 19, 2021 at 8:34 AM
Wow, Ilene - you knocked that out of the park (or dance floor)! I love it!!
Theraven Avatar
December 28, 2020 at 6:54 PM
Ilene, To dwell on your lines of dance as if in a dream, with my Cinderella or Belle in step. I'll try to hold the same spirit at work. Arthur Murray and I salute you and this surefooted poem. -Richard
Blake Avatar
August 4, 2020 at 12:30 AM
Hi Ilene, Brilliant poem, lovely concept, really well executed. ~ Clive
Adams Avatar
November 7, 2017 at 7:59 PM
Amazing! Another FAV. Thank you so much for sharing!!......Pat
Borke Avatar
October 2, 2017 at 7:39 AM
Genius poem!! I always dwell on handicaps to try to knock some of the laziness out of me, like parents of little kids tell them about the starving children in Africa
A   Avatar
September 15, 2012 at 10:48 PM
Ilene, a warm congratulations in KIM's "Life Is... " contest. Truly enjoyed stopping by to read all her winners~ :-) always* PD
Marcum Wong Avatar
September 13, 2012 at 9:35 PM
Ilene, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this wonderful inspirational poem you have written. I can see why it garnered top honors. Going straight into my fav's. It was written with creative genius! Congratulations! Mahalo
Brown Avatar
September 10, 2012 at 12:54 PM
Congratulations on your well deserved win in the contest "Life Is" Ilene. Love, Carol
Patrikar Avatar
September 10, 2012 at 9:27 AM
Congratulations fantastic win :) i like this one really... all forms of dance linked to life... lovely
Arowolo Avatar
September 9, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Fantastic and wonderful write,Ilene....life is really a dance....Congrats on your super win......kudos for a job well done..
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
September 9, 2012 at 9:13 AM
Congratulations on your big win Ilene xx
Sweetheart Avatar
September 9, 2012 at 8:07 AM
CONGRATS ILENE ON A GREAT FIRST PLACE WIN .. SO HONORED TO BE SHARING SPOT WITH U LUV ..
Ramage Avatar
September 8, 2012 at 9:37 PM
Ilene, I read this poem and thoroughly enjoyed it. Its so different, I've added it to my favourite poem list. thank you for sharing, it made me feel happy. Well done. Lee
Falgout Avatar
September 8, 2012 at 8:21 PM
Congratulations Ilene, enjoyed reading your poem,,,love, debra
Johnson Avatar
September 8, 2012 at 4:30 PM
This is an adorable poem. I am glad to share the spotlight with you. congratulations Ilene. Love, Joyce
Merryman Avatar
September 8, 2012 at 3:21 PM
Ilene, congrats on your win with this excellent poem! I love how you used the different dance steps to correlate with life's moments. Wonderful flow and rhyme! Thank you for participating in my contest. Love, KIm
Andresen Avatar
September 6, 2012 at 4:51 AM
The steps you will learn - and new arrivals every day. Very well written Ilene. Have a great Thursday. - oxox love Anne-Lise :)
Amadore Avatar
September 5, 2012 at 4:47 PM
I enjoyed reading your poem and quite appreciated its rythmn and rhymes. Good work.
Pettit Avatar
September 5, 2012 at 3:52 PM
A daily commuter would probably wind up in a straight jacket if he or she was dancing and singing on the bus or train to and from work. Nice write as usual, Ilene.
Squyres Avatar
September 5, 2012 at 3:39 PM
This is just so much fun !!!! LOVE IT !! Going in my favs !!! It has great rhythm, just like a dance...
Cayton Avatar
September 5, 2012 at 3:37 PM
Nicely done. Cindy
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