Tiny Dancer

A tribute to Elton John and my tiny granddaughter.

Padding across the bare wooden floor on tiny feet,

your toothless grin melts my heart.

You still need to hold on to one of my fingers

but your little body struts around

like a proud baby peacock.

When the music begins you start swinging your arms

and bobbing your perfectly shaped head with its crop of

black curls growing like a permed Mohawk.

You move even faster  when you hear the beat of the drums.

They connect you to the spirits of your African ancestors,

the land in which your father was born.

Mixed with the Irish blood given to you by your mother,

you are sensitive to the sound of drums.

When you hear them you immediately start to move,

first your head then your hands followed by your

already lithe brown legs and sturdy little feet.

  You, precious child, have the heart and soul of a dancer.

First you crawled and today you are learning to walk,

but soon enough you will learn to dance.

So dance on my tiny dancer,

dance on.

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

The profile picture is a photo of a painting made by my daughter.

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

How sweet and lovely. I love to watch the babies learn to dance and express themselves to the music. I'm experiencing this through both a daughter and a granddaughter today. I enjoyed the read.

[Dara]

Thank you once again. Yes, it is just so heartwarming to watch them. Unfortunately the are little for such a short time.

[emmajoy]

This is lovely, a poetic biography to be continued'! You've so charmingly and colourfully described the little one's graduals dancing style, an inherent skill, no less! You obviously caught moments that mean so much to you.. not surprisingly!

[Dara]

Many many thanks Emma, for these wonderful words. Needless to say she provides hours of entertainment and inspiration for writing. Take care!

[Einstein Noodle]

wow... daughter has some talent eh!?
boy you sure have captured the toddler's dance!!.. so precious and very cute! i think of all the fazes and stages of growing..toddlerism is my favorite .. they are simply bursting in every way! your poem does them fine justice .. i can feel mothers' and grandmothers' hearts through every line ...glad you brought heritage in .. so important for children to hear those stories .. and surprised you equate the drumming to the Irish in her ..the Celts are renowned for it but not often celebrated for it ;)
enjoyed reading ..it has brightened me day!
E.

[Dara]

I am so happy my little write brightened your day. Yes, my heart was very full as I wrote it. This too is my favorite stage but like all good things, it goes too fast. I am clinging to each and every moment though. A thousand thanks my friend.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

You capture the love of innocence as we watch our children/grandchildren (or the children of others) grow and explore and express. It is a magical time when they see the world as theirs. Well constructed.

[Dara]

It is so special and unfortunately goes by too quickly. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and for your warm review.

[MsJewel]

The painting is lovely and the perfect addition to your beautiful poem. I love the last two lines..absolutely perfect. :) Julie

[Dara]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed it, Julie. Your encouraging words mean so much. Thank you!

[Kelly Scheppers]

The photo by your daughter is gorgeous, as is the tiny dancer of this inspirational piece of life. I like how you connected them together - certainly a keepsake for all time to come.

[Dara]

Your visits always mean so much to me Kelly, thank you. My 'tiny dancer' turned one yesterday and walked just a few steps towards me for the first time. Made my day!

[Kelly Scheppers]

I know your joy is immeasurable, therefore it makes me even happier for you! She'll be walking in no time...and then watch out! ; )

[Dara]

Yes indeed! Just hope I can keep up :-)

[Samuel Dickens]

The extreme joy brought to you by your tiny dancer is on full display. Great music like that song stays with us, bringing pleasure, and now for you, a modern, new meaning. (I played the heck out of "Madman Across the Water" on 8-track)
Your daughter's painting is not just lovely, but a perfect accompaniment.

[Dara]

There is nothing like the love of a grandchild, as well you know :-) Thank you for your wonderful observations and warm words. Now if only she doesn't grow up too fast and lets me hold her hand for a long time to come.