The Dancing
February 19, 2010
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Dedicated to the Class of 1960
Clarksdale, Mississippi
At our 50th reunion
We’ll celebrate with old friends
Some classmates left us early
We remember them well
I learned to dance as a child
Music brought rhythm and joy
The movement brought energy
Taste of something good
As teens on Friday nights
We would dance, laugh, and sing
Giving and receiving friends
In motion with joy
Religious people
Thought and said it was not good
To dance, especially dance
To laugh and sing was O.K.
But dancing, not acceptable
I was not too religious
And home was not a safe place
There was no laughter at home
And no one would dance
Another place I found joy
Playing baseball and tennis
A place of community
We always had fun
When I played my position
With precision and rhythm
Things happened with teamwork
That also brought joy
Friends found in community
Where joy is at the center
I discovered this secret
As a teenager
Today I’m living the dance
The joy continues to grow
Older but younger inside
With lightness and love
I live in community
Creating happy memories
Playing with nine grandchildren
Teaching them to dance
© Terry S. Smith
February 6, 2010
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Your Story Matters 
I like how you ended this poem “teaching them to dance”…nice touch.