The Contra Dance

With lightened heart and care-loosed feet
setting out hand-in-hand
to Celtic tune and callers bleat
of "hay," "gypsy," "allemand."

All that satin, cotton and silk
a'twirl in twos and fours,
topped by smiles white as milk
on dancers by the score.

Away sad thoughts, can you not see?
The dance is on, it's time for glee!

Consider the dance in contrast to
and not as to oppose,
this instant poised, then threading through
a line, and then who knows?

Tumbl' out your hair, O lady dear.
What need have you for care?
This dizziness will soon make clear,
so lose yourself in ayre.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Wesley Avatar
June 27, 2012 at 10:22 AM
Lost in the music and the dance; always such an emotional experience for me to feel the beat and react to it. Brings back so many great memories Chuck!
Dietrich Avatar
March 17, 2012 at 5:55 PM
What a great description of this dance. I think I've seen it on my video of Irish dancers. I liked the quoted words sprinkled thru here too. Lovely seeing you today!
Breidenthal Avatar
March 5, 2012 at 5:17 PM
I enjoyed reading this today! Keep up the excellent work! Always, Laura
Bauer Avatar
March 5, 2012 at 3:20 PM
this is lovely and so vivid i can picture the dancers perfectly!
Lu Avatar
March 5, 2012 at 8:46 AM
:0 what imagery used... amazing writing Chuck. Sincerely, Cindy
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