Grey smoke spiralling rose and turned turbulent above the 
Bonfire tongues, still contorting mischievously with the wind. 
Dancers circle, side by side, tacitly consorting illuminated red. 
Green wilderness absorbs the edge of the halo of light, 
All we have for comfort from the void abyss. 
Come now, look sharp, nothing stares back at our 
Ensemble of percussion wind and taut cord, 
Atoning for our wrongs and rights each to each 
By conspiring to synchronise illusory bodies. 
Divine harps can’t keep pace with our tempo. 
Frequently but momentarily one dancer captured glows, 
Burning, reflected in the eyes of all enraptured. 
Come with us and play in harmony, be 
Ever focused and fearful towards our middle ground. 

Grace personified once tangoed in pairs 
‘Cross polished floors, courting then coupling. 
Dancing is now crowded into rooms of glancing stares. 
“FireOutOfHandBetweenUsFireOutOfHandBetweenUs.” 
Always unique new notes, new beats play, 
Drop, roll and go round, patterned by powered numbers. 
Everything flies, speech is muted, action revered. 
“GlassComeDownBetweenUsGlassComeAllAroundUs.” 
But one drowned out by bassline still somehow asks one more, 
Excuse me may I have this dance, while both, 
Facing forward with all, echo each other, though 
Attentive solely to the tempo and its source, 
Conversing wordlessly through the tone of the speakers. 
Fire in our eyes, hearts and loins. 


First published in "Selection" 2018.