I Just Wanted to Learn How to Dance

Layers of snow covered the roads
That winter- the last winter there.
It was cold but became colder
As time moved toward the seasons’ end.

We played downstairs from the barroom
On old marred brown wooden tables,
Ten worn padded chairs circled each,
Marking the places for poker chips.

We played twice a month, sometimes three,
Depending how the Thursdays fell;
Leaving casino lights behind
For the underground poker smells.

I just wanted to learn to dance.

She stood next to the checkered floor
Sectioned off from the cold concrete.
I asked her what the tile was for—
Back in the day the bands would play,

And couples danced across the floor.
Then her body began to sway
To the music from up above;
She clearly knew all of the moves.

Embarrassed that I could not dance,
She said, “it’s easy- shift your weight
From your left foot then to your right”—
Stepping onto the checkered floor,

I just wanted to learn to dance.

That moment passed, with all the rest,
In melting snow of seasons’ end,
She never taught me how to dance.
I never learned the correct steps.