Notes About The Poem

Image result for high school dance 70's

Now It's Our Turn

You're smiling ...
I'm staring at you
I know you know that I know
That you like me ... that you REALLY like me
Wendy told me, and Linda told her
(After I had Dave ask Debbie to ask Linda)
So it might as well have been you directly ... yeah
I also know that you know that this is my favorite slow-dance
I made sure Dave hinted to Debbie that she tell Linda
'Cause Wendy had said that Linda told her it was YOUR favorite song
Well, your favorite slow-dance song
We have the same favorite fast song, too, "Ain't No Mountain"
But "(They Long To Be) Close To You" is finally playing
And when it started, you spun to find me across the gymnasium
(I was watching - Wendy told me that Linda told her to make sure I watch you)
Then you smiled, and I smiled, and now I KNOW we are true and steady
I KNOW it's time to make my move ...
The lights are low, mirror ball spinning
Sawdust has been spread on the gym floor
I've got my paisley shirt on, apache around my neck
Best bell-bottoms, big-buckle belt and boots
And enough Hai Karate cologne to seduce an elephant
But ... but ... but, my feet aren't moving!!
What's wrong?!?
I've planned this for weeks, and now I'm frozen ...
It's my braces ... Debbie told EVERYone that she cut her lip on them
Now I'm terrified that you might turn me down ... cuz of that
'Cuz last year Linda broke up with Dave just because he GOT braces
She never even kissed him with braces, but broke up with him ...
Just from the FEAR of cutting her lip!
('Course Dave is a power kisser, everybody knows that)
Still, I KNOW you like me ... and you ARE smiling ...
It's now or never, cuz the Carpenter's won't play forever
I feel a hand in my back - Dave, pushing me
Toward you ... across the floor
Braces be DAMNED - I'm making my move!
The night is OURS, Baby
And it's a groovy thing happening!
Yeah ...
"Why do stars ... fall down from the sky ... "





~ 1st Place ~  in the "Now It's Our Turn - DWM" Poetry Contest, Kim Rodrigues, Judge & Sponsor.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Romios Avatar
April 8, 2020 at 3:35 PM
Thank you Gregory for this excellent piece! Congratulations on being Top Banana! Panagiota 2nd Place)))
Lee Sr. Avatar
April 8, 2020 at 2:37 AM
Gregory ...Just like being there Wonder what happened after the dance... A prism write your words and pictures very descriptive just like being there... congratulations on your placement Right on Right on Write on man! :D
Rodrigues Avatar
April 7, 2020 at 9:31 PM
Gregory, this was fantastic and now I get to see the pic you posted! Love it! Love it! Congratulations on first place!
Lindley Avatar
March 23, 2020 at 10:17 AM
Right as rain with this one. That is how it went back in the day, with teens wanting love but so very fearful of rejection and the great unknown. Definitely a fav with this superbly composed piece. God bless..
Watt Avatar
March 23, 2020 at 12:16 AM
You nailed it, dude! So many potential romances cut short because of "braces faces", my own included. All the whispering of who likes whom, so true! Enjoyed the time travel, buddy ~ John
Michael Avatar
March 22, 2020 at 4:31 PM
Every time you walk by.... It's on screen for all to read...many of those things happened back then...just as you wrote it...Enjoyed it...
Krutsinger Avatar
March 22, 2020 at 12:33 PM
This brought the largest smile I have ever worn when reading any poem and I bet I have read over 10,000 of them Greg. I was there!
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