Home » Poems » Carolyn Devonshire » What Is This Dance

What Is This Dance

What is this dance that we do?
First you spin me; I twirl with delight
Captivated by your attentive gaze
Then you back away as I move toward you

So many times we’ve been on this floor
One step forward, two steps back
Movements that confuse a foolish heart
Often I feel I’m dancing alone

Still I keep dancing to reach you
Each time I draw near, you retreat
And still it seems you want me to stay
For an eternity drawn to a love unrequited

My dancing shoes I place on a shelf
Along with my dreams, pieces of myself
Perplexed by your desire to continue
Pirouetting toward the unknown




*Revised Feb. 11, 2021
For Craig's "Foolish Heart" Contest

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John Hamilton

Date: 2/21/2021 10:05:00 AM

A wonderfully written story that captures the uncertainty of an unrequited love, few things more painful, congrats Carolyn on a great write and win!

Carrie Richards

Date: 2/20/2021 6:39:00 PM

I am honored to be in this line-up of such wonderful poets as yourself, Carolyn. I've been away so long, I'd almost forgotten how to enter a contest. I'm in such good company! Congratulations on this wonderful poem!

Greg Gaul

Date: 2/20/2021 12:20:00 PM

Love the last line. Dripping in poignant imagery. So well done, this interesting take on the dance of love and life. Congratulations on some brilliant content.

Marilene Evans

Date: 2/20/2021 9:14:00 AM

This is so so cleverly written. It captivated me as I'm reading it, as I'm personally going through this dance at the moment. Congratulations.

Constance La France

Date: 2/20/2021 8:42:00 AM

Carolyn, congratulations on your win in Craig's Foolish Heart contest with this wonderful poem _Constance

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 2/20/2021 7:39:00 AM

Congratulations on your win. I love your line, "Still I keep dancing to reach you." We dance through life. Have a blessed day/weekend.................

Debbie Guzzi

Date: 9/15/2010 1:20:00 PM

I think I may be outa sparks? sigh fret...thanks for the nice comment on Mumbo Jumbo..I had to cut it way down. Light & Love always

Constance La France

Date: 9/6/2010 2:57:00 PM

Thanks so much for commenting on my poetry, this poem is stunning, I was captivated from the first word, best of luck in the contest~~ Love Constance

Brian Strand

Date: 9/6/2010 12:56:00 AM

Nice kyrielle flavours here Carolyn.Rgds Brian

Daver Austin

Date: 9/5/2010 9:02:00 AM

One of my favorite old tunes, "Dancing In The Dark." You bring out the haunting aspect beautifully. Have a good, good holiday. Love, Dave

James Fraser

Date: 9/5/2010 6:30:00 AM

This is pretty amazing Carolyn, and I agree with Carrie. It's sure to do well. You are an exceptional writer, there is no doubt about it >> James

Carrie Richards

Date: 9/3/2010 8:19:00 AM

There is deep sadness I read in this poem....when lovers lose the rhythm in the dance of love. This will be a winning poem, no doubt in my mind! ~ Carrie

John Rhinem

Date: 9/3/2010 12:19:00 AM

Ps. Smile ~ "A Fave;" to place within my tuxedos breast pocket, while I glide upon the floor with, "My Beautiful Love" ~ Bye Dear!:) ~

John Rhinem

Date: 9/3/2010 12:14:00 AM

Smile ~ I love the way that "Your Beauty" used the familiar dancing to describe, this hot & cold, "Song of Love; 'Beautiful Carolyn'" ~ "My Love & Warmth to 'Your Treasures" Always &, to All You Love," John! ~ Smile, "Have A Very Blessed & Beautiful Day Dear, 'Waltzing Amid The Dance Hall of, Beautiful Love;" Bye Beautiful Lady!:) ~

John Rhinem

Date: 9/3/2010 12:06:00 AM

Smile ~ "This Is Sooo Beautiful, 'Beautiful, Carolyn Devonshire!!!'" ~ I hope that "Your Beauty' is doing wonderfully dear and, I have read this "Astonishing Poem" at least, five or six times but, never found the time to, fill this box with words of wonder; sincerely tender, thoughts of hearts deepest praise ~ ....Cont:)

Lindsay Kelly

Date: 9/2/2010 2:14:00 PM

A fantastic write! It really drew me in. Really enjoyed!!

John Loving Iii

Date: 9/2/2010 1:02:00 PM

Carolyn, now this was Divinely created!!! the best work of yours yet. the best expression of a woman I have ever encountered. I never encountered a woman getting closer to me on the dance floor with out moving away as she moves in closer. jest to keep the respect that she started with . i see now that i was wrong. always let her make the first move. and that leaping tward nothingness; really got me thinking. JOHN HENRY LOVING III

Sara Kendrick

Date: 9/2/2010 9:19:00 AM

Like the write and presentation of the idea of love and romance and then one partner taking a break and putting distance in the relationship...Keep up the good work..Sara

Joyce Johnson

Date: 9/2/2010 8:40:00 AM

Wonderful intpretation of the dance contest Carolyn. I have been gone to a meeting for two days and am so far behind on the contests. I just read your comment on my Cancer poem. You sound exactly like me. Yesterday I read one of my poems by request, to a crowd-- no problem. But mingling later my shyness comes out. Love, Joyce

Michael J. Falotico

Date: 9/1/2010 6:22:00 PM

Sure you can luv, I even changed spelling to match his name thanks so much for your support. Luv Michael

Wilma Neels

Date: 9/1/2010 12:46:00 PM

I could not help to cry while reading it Carolyn.. So much said between the lines, some of it is so close to home its scary.. Love Wilma

Wilma Neels

Date: 9/1/2010 11:54:00 AM

Wow, I may read something totally different in this piece.. This has to go to my favorites, in the frame of mind I'm in today, thanks Carolyn :) love Wilma