Feet fall lightly, uncertain of first step;
unforgiving beat hurries her to next step.
Steady chord and verse lead the dance,
a story told from heart to sound to step.
Fanned fingers swirl on extended arms
that rise and fall like light with each step.
The pattern of four or eight or six or twelve
keeps her moving with faith to next step.
Rhythm rolls, shoulder to rib, belly to hip,
while feet mark in time, step by step.
A tug of the skirt lifts it like a red curtain
on two striking stars in imperfect step.
Now move with flawed beauty, Hermana;
someday you dance with mastered step.
-mmc
2.27.11
Married to the Dance 