Wallflower

On the edge she sits, a frail nonentity;
neither bloom nor spirit, nor secure identity,
as forlorn and shy she trembles, a man
asks her to dance, she must decline.

Stuck in a bubble, just missing the boat,
floating past maybes, a lump in her throat,
she dawdles and dangles, an inch from forever,
a chance to break open, but opting for never.

One day she will make it, step into the limelight,
and pirouette daintily, taking his hand,
there'll be no more jitters or lame-brain excuses
just confident motions in time with the band.

What a relief to be one of a legion
of movers and shakers who're down from the shelf,
she's gliding with grace while avoiding another's toes,
hugging her partner instead of herself.

                    *******

...autobiographical, you wouldn't believe how much!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Andresen Avatar
February 8, 2016 at 12:44 PM
- Today nobody is wallflower ...... everyone dances with everyone, not in pairs (and alone) - but there are those who do not dare to dance - A great poems, reminds me of the time back ..... long time since I danced ...... should we take the next? - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Bickerstaffe Avatar
February 8, 2016 at 12:51 PM
I was that wallflower for too long a time! Thanks for a lovely review Anne Lise! Best wishes, Keith (and I STILL can't dance!)
Deschler Avatar
February 7, 2016 at 8:35 PM
I can totally relate to the wallflowers and this poem, too... Beautifully penned with smooth flowing lines and rhymes. An inspiring write, Keith!
Bickerstaffe Avatar
February 8, 2016 at 1:27 AM
I was that wallflower too... thanks Kelly, Keith
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