The Winged Woman

Alluring, she swirled round the floor.
Other women; tall, dressed well,
glared as their men took her hand
and were caught like a fox by her spell.

The blue feathered mask that she wore
hid her eyes from the public view.
What sparkles danced in their depths?
Only the winged woman knew.

She entreated each man to dance "just one more";
was never left standing, was never refused.
The magic that shone when she took to the floor
drew us to her side wherever she moved.

What brought her here? Here to this door
that opened into a conservative world
of suited men, and women in gowns,
their beautiful hair neatly coiffured and curled.

Her hair was tangled; loose and pure,
wildness flowed from her being.
Did we yearn to tame her? Were we wanting to bring
a calmness to what we were seeing?

Once only, just one night on shore,
then she drifted again on the tide.
She epitomises a forbidden feeling
that others were trying to hide.

Dance, winged woman! Dance once more
through my dreams of freedom, and tell
me what stardust you spilled around the room
that had us all caught in your spell.


"The Masquerade Ball"  [ASR]