by Kimberly Tan
Inspired by Cavafy’s “Gray”
I watch the couple on the floor
and I cannot help but recall
the waltz we danced ourselves – so smooth; it must have been fifty years ago…
For two years we were pressed against one another
your body leading me; your hand holding mine and your leg brushing past.
Then he left, I believe to the city,
to work there, and I went somewhere else.
The waltz – when I do dance – is now a stumble;
I cannot follow as easily and I cannot move with another.
Dear Music, play and bring back the rhythm in my feet.
And, Music, play so that he can hear you and come back to me,
this partner of mine, so that we can dance the waltz together again.