...and so they danced

...and so they danced


His frail wrinkled hand shivers
as he cautiously lays it on top of his wife's.
Not wanting to disturb the sleep,
of the most unforgettable love of his life.

Barely able to open her eyes to see
yet able to feel his tender touch.
She smiles with a sigh and tries to reply
with how she yearns for him so much.

A deep heavy sleep she drifts back to
 as he examines the needles in her arm.
Wishing so badly that he could save her.
Saving her from any more potential harm.

Reminiscent his daydreams now become
remembering the first day that they had met.
Once only a waitress in a small cafe
and now a woman he'll never forget.

Looking back on the good times that they have had
in the past wonderful fifty years..
The times of love making, laughing and fighting
making life for them more precious and dear.

At the end of their routine like days
he would turn on their favorite song
and pick her up into his arms
and kindly ask her to dance along.

And so they danced into the sunsets
never looking away from one another..
Wanting to make that single moment last.
Wanting to dance this dance forever..

Anniversaries pass and their children have grown.
Still, as the day ends, he turns off the lights..
letting the music help him sweep her away
along with him into an unforgettable night ..

The beeping on the monitors awaken him
from the days of life uncomplicated..
Wishing that there was some sacrifice to make.
Determined to fight this for her, so dedicated..

He rolls over to her on the hospital bed
running his fingers through her thin grey hair..
Whispering a tune, a tune from their song
hoping to sooth her thoughts in there..

Removing the tubes to the side of her face,
 kisses on her eyes and nose, he plants.
''My love, My darling, My Ginger Rogers,
may I have this one last dance?''.

With all the strength she has inside
she raises her hand up to his own
and right where they lay their hands do sway
giving her a feeling of home..

His quivering mouth rests next to her ears
as he hums still, to her, their tune.
Knowing that deep down within himself
she will be leaving him behind very soon..

Mumbling, she begins, to him and says
''My love, my darling, my Fred Astaire,
don't be saddened at my time near at hand.
Just remember Ill always be there..

When you feel the room become lonely
and you feel the need to prance.
Feel free to take me along with you
to share our ever lasting, never forgotten, first dance.''

A. Joleigh