The Middle School Dance: Three Dansas

1.

Shall I ask him to dance?

Can I screw up the nerve?

(I prefer to observe

through my bangs, at a glance!)

Shall I ask him to dance

or stay put and reserved?

Will I throw him a curve

if I make my advance?

Yes, I’ll ask him to dance,

like it’s what I deserve!

Deep breath now and… swerve

toward a budding romance

if I ask — I am asking! — that boy there to dance.

2.

I’m regretting everything,

questioning the clothes I wore,

keeping eyes glued to the floor.

I crack my knuckles, twist and wring

I’m just regretting everything!

I inch a little toward the door

I’ve seen enough and need no more.

But wait — my heart — a little zing —

am I still regretting everything?

Lights are pulsing, music roars

I see her coming, know what for.

She asks, I answer, my heart sings —

I’m not regretting anything!

3.

One step forward, hand meets hand

shivers rolling down the spine

(obviously that’s a sign…

and not exactly what they’d planned)

one step forward, hand meets hand

swaying, breathing, looking fine

music rushes, lights all shine

the space at once grows close, expands

one step forward, hand meets hand

gym floor shuffle, quite divine

and then it ends, that’s it, it’s time

the music stops but they still stand

take one step forward, hand in hand