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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

confusiondancerelationshiplyric

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John Hamilton

February 21, 2021 at 10:05 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

February 20, 2021 at 6:39 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

February 20, 2021 at 12:20 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

February 20, 2021 at 9:14 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

February 20, 2021 at 8:42 AM

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

Paula Goldsmith

February 20, 2021 at 7:39 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

September 15, 2010 at 1:20 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

September 6, 2010 at 2:57 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

September 6, 2010 at 12:56 AM

Nice kyrielle flavours here Carolyn.Rgds Brian

Daver Austin

September 5, 2010 at 9:02 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

September 5, 2010 at 6:30 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

September 3, 2010 at 8:19 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

September 3, 2010 at 12:19 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

September 3, 2010 at 12:14 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

September 3, 2010 at 12:06 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

September 2, 2010 at 2:14 PM

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

John Loving Iii

September 2, 2010 at 1:02 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

September 2, 2010 at 9:19 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

September 2, 2010 at 8:40 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

September 1, 2010 at 6:22 PM

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

Wilma Neels

September 1, 2010 at 12:46 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

September 1, 2010 at 11:54 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