She'd come to my house

and dance in the hall

with the music up loud

against the light on the wall



I danced beside her

feeling no shame

we were in costume

and this was a game



She'd put on her skirt

of layers of chiffon

the top of the umbrella had come off

so I put that on



We'd dance together then

an awkward ballet

she was 20 years older than I was

but still we did play



She was 20 years older than me

and many times my size

but it's her little feet I remember

and the look in her eyes



Once when I saw her

she made me a doll

of ribbon and paper and ink

and lace, I recall



I danced beside her

feeling no shame

we were in costume

and this was a game



I think of her now I'm older

I still love to dance

something will shine through the body

if you give it a chance