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 sons
Creative and considerate men
Breaking 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
*******
Dedicated to Joan; my dance teacher, mentor, friend, and inspiration. May you rest in peace, and dance throughout eternity
This poem, along with other dance-related scribbles, will be appearing in JJSK’s upcoming chapbook Dancing Words.