The Benevolent Ballerina

Shimmering like a birch tree in the morning mist
You spritely curve and stretch our doleful tryst
From deep river swirling under current frown
To flickering silver leaf airy blown

Gentle elf of the sky gliding to soothe
Smile through my lucid soul your truth
Into the green tear of my conceiving eye
Dawn upon my paper with your sigh

As I peer learning wisdom from your feet
My feeble lines wander out of reach
Entice me into meaningful veins
Undress the muscles of your back in pains

Whirl and rejoice into the courage of breast
Arch your slender arms into fingers of caress
I am drowning in the moons of your eyes
Weaving in the braiding of your hair

I am an ancient oak in your delicate grove
Cragged and spreading roots in your trove
Forgive my thorns so near the petals of your rose
I am a beggar whose hands receive your toes

He who dances lightly in your sacred stream
Will ferment in a passionate dream
Take pity on his wasting heart, regard him fondly
For young men who bathe in love soak blindly

So fair dancer shine benevolent rays
Upon my crumbling poverty of days
Young lovers spin whirl and wind
The whispering clock of my mind


Richard Field
2003