Grace

I’ve been sitting

On the sidelines

Leaning

Up

Against

The

Wall

I’ve seen you dance with others, watched you

                                                                                                Catch

                                                                                                Them    

                                                                                                                As

                                                                                                                They

                                                                                                                                Fall

I dressed the part, I showered and shaved, I even know your name
We’ve talked before, I know your heart, but for some reason – I’m ashamed

To speak to you
To stand, to move,
To walk in your direction

Intimidated, paralyzed at the prospect of rejection

But-  

I know.
That you won’t turn me down, you’ve never turned away
You take my hand and smile at me, ‘Dance with me’ you say

My two left feet and clammy hands, my intermittent breath,
Your grace, your inner peace demands I put my pride to death

I’m awkward – we both know it, but, you love me step by step
You guide, and wait, you teach, and laugh, and off my feet I’m swept.

Like so many, all the other hearts you’ve so rightly captivated
Yet, I am jealous, insecure, inept and angrily frustrated.

If only I approached you with such confidence and grace
Invited you in, took the lead and gave you your proper place

If I honored you with every step and movement of my hand
If I had what it takes to be a righteous gentleman:

We would dance.

And I would take you home.

And that wouldn’t be the end.

We’d practice together every day

We’d rehearse again and again.

And I wouldn’t doubt your presence or second guess or your love
You’d be with me, and I’d know it.

And that would be enough.

-October 2021