Natural family growth, even healthy growth bears with it the burden of a former happy time, and the realization that nothing gold can stay.

————

Not just the Rumba, Charleston, Lindy Hop or Trunky Doo

before granddaughter comes to visit--

a slow-motion spin descending into a square-plop-down

to annul the dizziness.

Punctuating happiness with clam-claps

breaching the air

barreling

an invisible ladder.

Watching watches monitor my heart.

Who needs Dancing with the Stars?

I twirl alone for the rare moments yet to be

with the toddler

who once two-stepped my heart.

Inured now

to age, hers and mine,

forgiving sun-ripened silken hair

cherry-blossomed cheeks

adrift with virginal scent—.

Her uneasy foot-tapping

echoes

waiting—for a partner—

heart-crushing

a dance-card

filled only

for him.

By Jill Clark

From: United States

Website: https://www.jillswriterscafe.com

Instagram: LooseBalloons