Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Country Dancing

How many pairs of Ropers did she wear out?
Wrangler jeans and stylish shirts
the city girl stepped into for wild nights
of country dancing and beer,
two-stepping 'round and 'round
the floor, a slide there, a dip and twirl (careful!)
sometimes jitterbug, if she was lucky
enough to find a willing partner, a hug.
 
Waltzing, one, two, three; next, polka,
working up a sweat, a need to drink
more beer while Top-40 played
its turn a break in stride, back
in time for line dancing to begin,
then two-step, waltz and polka
jitterbug, if she was lucky, a flip.
Over and over, the cycle continued
up to 2 a.m.- - closing time.
 Again and again,
a buzzing whirl;
no mistake, 
a downward
spin.
 
*
 
Prompt inspiration: Poetry Jam~ Dance
3WW- careful, hug, mistake

28 comments:

Mary said...

Country dancing always seemed like it would be a lot of clean-cut fun! But in your poem here, I see the 'downward spin' and pleasure could so easily change to pain.. This is quite a poem, Laurie.

Brian Miller said...

pretty cool...my parents are amateur square dancers...they dance at conventions and all over...its pretty fun to watch...i took some folk and square in college with my wife...smiles.

Janet Martin said...

:0 I think she's going to need Advil and black coffee in the morning! You draw the reader in; we spin and twirl, yee-haw! I like the way the ending spiraled down-ward...the feeling of exhaustion and empty bottles.

Peggy said...

You really make it sound fun Laurie! I used to really enjoy dancing--but I was in the day of not particular steps just moving to the music--more body than feet. Haven't danced in a while now though and you bring back the fun of it!

Bethe77 said...

Love dancing! Though I havent been in years it something I so have enjoyed. I may not ever get that pleasure again. But love the memories of the time I did. Though like in your poem I didnt like the spiral down ward turn of the two am. That was never the fun part at all. Loved your poem.
Blessings

The Unknowngnome said...

It must be that downward spin that was such a rush to try over and over again and again.

Amrit Sinha said...

Loved this dance !!!

alan1704 said...

Loved this, great shape and the music in the poem. Captured that country dance, American Style, excellent

Maude Lynn said...

Well done! I remember nights like that!

Berowne said...

Vivid, nimble, lively - on with the dance!

Sheilagh Lee said...

I love the analogy here.Well done

Jazzbumpa said...

that downward spin
does that means she gets lucky
or she more lucky not to

Cheers!
JzB

Unknown said...

Creative in voice and form!

Old Egg said...

She was lucky to have such good partners to match her exuberance. I had a lot of fun here, just like her.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

We danced so much in the 60's.......such great fun! I remember the angst of "would he ask me?" and trying to look "cool" and okay with sitting on the side.

Ellecee said...

A wonderful night of dancing, I feel as if I was there,,,downward spiral and all,,,,I enjoyed you poem,

Gail said...

Been there...you described it so well.

TCPC said...

wow! it was like writing down the steps to be followed only to feel dancing!! loved the play of words coming down to the end!

christopher said...

I like this one for its scope and its set up like a song.

LLM Calling said...

I love your poetry so much Laurie and this really made me smile

Panchali said...

That was fun...enchanting imagery! So well penned.

J Cosmo Newbery said...

Wow! I was plum tuckered out just reading it! :-)

Jae Rose said...

Dances on the page like a poetry tornado..but a good one..that takes you over the rainbow..

Unknown said...

I can tell you speak from experience... the dancing queen?

Jennifer Wagner said...

This spins and spins! Fun...I do think Janet may be right about the Advil and coffee!

Mary Ann Potter said...

A poem with a true dancing rhythm, right down to the downward spin. So vivid. So beautifully done!

Wayne Pitchko said...

danced to the beat of Hank Williams....nicely done

Margaret said...

Lived in San Antonio, Texas for 3 years, and two stepping is so fun!! Yes, I remember closing bars and dancing (And spinning ...). Sigh. I barely make it to 11pm these days.