She Danced – for Joan (Updated Version)

I published an earlier version of this poem in my chapbook Dancing Words, but since publishing that I have learned that there was some inaccuracy in the refererences in one of the stanzas, so I have updated the poem.

This is dedicated to one of my early dance teachers who went by the stage name of Jauhara. She was a dance-mother to many Oriental dancers in the Ottawa area, and is the teacher who is responsible for starting me on the path to being a dance teacher myself. I will always be grateful for the encouragement she offered me as a student, performer, and teacher.

She Danced (Updated) – For Joan

She told me once that
The closer she got to leaving him
The redder her hair got

And through all of that
She danced

She persevered
Along the ups and downs
Of life’s challenges

And through all of that
She danced

She raised her kids
Nurturing their souls
Defying a chain of pain

And through all of that
She danced

She guided her students
Helped them grow and flourish
Supported their dreams

And through all of that
She danced

Their wishes before hers
Meeting everyone’s needs
Giving of herself always

And through all of that
She danced