The Dance

A teen's thoughts after a party. 1985

The Dance

Remnants of last night
a party with unfulfilled expectations
the dazzling outfit
that had been carefully planned to attract attention
piled on the floor attracting memories
of a friday night spent alone
among many; dancing, laughing, chatting
colored lights flashing and dancing with the music
pounding a song in my heart
a song of emptiness, echoing forever
couples here, there, around me, through me
but not in me, or with me
heat growing with the smoke
smothering, smoldering

what does it mean
any of this
tomorrow it will be over
no one will think of
the girl alone on the dance floor
alone by the wall
alone in her head

alone in her heart

December 7, 1985