Lost Dance

 Last Dance

You waltzed us into love that night.
Your golden gown slinky in the moonlight,
Your glittery sandals fit for a Goddess.
Your eyes smiled into mine,
And we sighed in unison.

I wish that dance had lasted forever.

We were together for a time.
Then was as good as it gets.
Now is never the same.
You've grown cold.

I wish that dance had lasted forever.

We haven't danced in years.
You don't sing doing chores anymore.
Your shoulders hunch,
And your eyes avoid mine when I speak of love.

I wish we could still  dance together.

The kids are troubled by your absence.
Sure, you're still here but...
you're not.
Your heart went away and left you behind.

I wish we'd remembered to dance.

Where do we go from here, my love?
Will you return?
What is that aching sadness in your eyes?
It came when you found that the baby was lost.

You broke when Baby was born sleeping.
We knew we'd never dance and sing with him.
He'd never thrive and grow strong.
We buried his frail body in the Spring.

I remember that...
You waltzed us into love that night.
Your golden gown slinky in the moonlight,
Your glittery sandals fit for a Goddess.
Your eyes smiled into mine,
And we sighed in unison.

I wish that dance had lasted forever.


 ©Ellen Pepper 2026