“She ain’t lookin’ for no lover
She ain’t lookin’ for romance
She just wants to dance.”
–“She Just Wants to Dance” By Keb’ Mo’
On the day my divorce was final
I cleansed my newly singular self in the
most healing hot springs I know.
Like the velvet touch of the kindest lover
the water caressed my shoulders, held me,
steamed and sweated the sorrow from my spirit.
until I could plunge into the icy water of clarity
and face the cold freedom he wanted and I now cherish.
I warmed myself in the knowing glow of the strong September sun
then followed the river down to where the music was playing
and danced like a wildflower in the wind,
rooted and free among old friends and new.
I really love dancing,
and it had been so long
since my hips slid their way through the heartache of a Delta blues,
or my feet flew with the frenzy of rockabilly
so I could slowly surrender and sway to Logan’s tender ballad
as he sang about living on my own and feeling alright.
The next day at work at the library I printed
handwritten wedding vows that intimately described
unconditional love and promises to always be there for each other.
At my wedding we just said the regular ones, I remembered.
Maybe that was it.
It was almost too much to bear – I had to go outside.
Like a small sobbing child seeking its mother, I faced the sun,
felt the heat of our universal beloved,
and spoke vows to my place, my people and my self,
marveling at the power and pain of love in all its forms
until I felt held once again.
Powerful!!! Love You, Marie xox
Thank you Marie for your kind words and for your healing presence in my life!!!
oh friend, such a holding. such vows to place and people and self. such courage, this poem. this way of living life.
Thank you RM for that! I get so much of my courage from you. Love you!
Your way with words always resonates. I hope you continue to want to dance, soak in healing waters, and concentrate on self care as you navigate this next chapter.
Thank you friend!
Your way with words always resonates. I hope you continue to want to dance, soak in healing waters, and concentrate on self care as you navigate this next chapter.
This chapter will be the best yet, I think. You’ve built a foundation of strength and love to stand on. And to dance on ❤️