7-30-01

Dancing once was safe, my love—

In dance there was no danger

But tonight the fey drum’s pulse is strong

Our steps a little stranger

From the threshold of my dreams

Dragon-lithe, I’m twirling

A flash of fatal teeth draws near

The air with spirits whirling

A clash of hearts, a quickening

The birth of something bold

An old impulse we’d thrust away

Now gains a firmer hold

The wild steps charm my mortal feet

As the drum charms my spirit

Rolled eyes, tossed head, a feral grin

Greets others who may hear it

Come, take me in your arms tonight

To thresh away the sorrow

We’ll dance to rushing blood’s refrain

And wake up new tomorrow