je me rend

dancing

ought to be smooth

not ragged

serene

we ought to glide

across linoleum floor

like a ship

upon a sea of glass

but we don't

we stumble

falter

stepping on toes

more like a battle

against a gale

than dancing

a battle for the lead

for control

we stop

I close my eyes

feel the power

of my partner

his strong arms collecting me

supporting me

guiding

with silent suggestions

pressing my back

turning my body the way it should go

I surrender

bowing my head

I relinquish the lead

he suggests a step

I could

deny him

go my own way

shattering serenity

in an act of independence

but I don't

I follow

why fight for rights

for power

when his strength provides enough

for me as well

why unsettle

our effortless gliding

with a

rebellion

a demand for a voice

when his silent suggestion

makes our dance

beautiful