THE DANCING

When I was young and in love with life I was a dancer
And asked no more than the music's lure - no other answer
Now I am old and the Muse has gone and left me crying;
Weep not too long for the Dancer's pain - for I am dying.

This night I woke and the house was still and the Muse was by me
So long away, to return and find my strength all frailty
"I never meant to be so long - I am so sorry"
"No matter now - I'll not dance again" I told her bravely.

"Oh, but I've loved, and been loved besides, and those were bright years
Two daughters born to remember me and share in your tears
But the man I have loved long has gone before me;
And now I hurt and I wait for death to come and claim me."

She took my hand and she bade me dance one more time with her
I shook my head for the pain was great, and I could not join her
"Trust me" she cried - and touched me then - and stopped the hurting;
And then we danced as I'd never danced, and all was - shining.

The Dancer's child kissed her mother's lips goodnight forever
Music she'd heard, and she saw them dance away together
And she told this tale to me - and I believe her;
And the Dancer's gone to the light at last - it shall receive her.