THE DANCE

A DANCE --- JUST A DANCE.
NOT A CHANCE!

Yes, I am older than he and
         he's younger than me.
Yet we walk side-by-side
         shielding our hearts
         from the clear path before us.

We marry.

Uncovered and bare,
         contrasts are clear and
         commonalities obscure.
He quietly steps out without me.

Confrontations are rebuffed by
         suggestions of jealousy
         inflicted through chiding ---
She's a much better dancer.

Time passes
         like a fist to the gut
         aching...
         subsiding.

Truth forcefully appears as
         another voice resonates.
He is dancing again without me.

Moments of torment
         increase emptiness.
No longer dormant,
         eruption forms
         insurmountable betrayal.