The Dance

By Jamie Johnson

The words square dance
around in my head, 
unfixed, 
and unable to tumble down my tongue
with ease. 

I try to talk but only stutter; 
the weight of those words; 
the allemandes 
and do si dos
keep it stuck.

Then you appear 
and the frequency in my brain calms; 
no more, swing your partner. 

You grab my hand,
and whisper in my ear,
“I love you.”
And without hesitation 
I return the sentiment. 

This reminds me 
that our promenade,
around the sun
is better together, than apart.

Jamie Johnson resides in Appalachia where she teaches middle school