I saw you dance tonight
Through the first floor window
Your arms upraised in ballet stance
First the one and then the other

I knew it was you by
your hair tie piece of lace
you use to hold your keys.

There is this grace
when a woman
With the nicer sort of neck
And upper arms
ties a ribbon in her hair
Gathers tall thick brunette silk
A dance in miniature
flowing hands and fingers

And it’s done.

The act is
as beautiful
and effortless
as a swan
.
gliding on a lake

Chris Perley