The Other

Another old one. I seem to have one good poem in me every few years (where by 'good' I refer to 'good by my arbitrary standards')

You see them: they're dancing, but it's not as it seems
For another they're holding in close-lidded dreams.
Oh they're faithful, they're loyal... it couldn't be else
For each keep their longings and hopes to themself.

So they dance with their partners, eyes closed to the truth
They imagine The Other 'cross the floor with them moves.

Do their lovers not notice? Can they simply not see?
That each couple that's dancing is not two, but three?

 

For there's four who are whirling, one pair and another,
And each couple is joined, in the mind, by The Other.

Well the years will go on, and two families will grow.
Will affections diminish? No, will never be so.

 

And they'll age and they'll whither... their dancing will cease.

Heart and soul poured to everything, yet retaining a piece
For that piece holds the love that, to give, they refrain
But for smiles and laughter; they will always remain
Friends forever
Never more

Reviews

[TL Boehm]

beautifully penned. The ryhme is subtle yet well crafted and the sentiment sad...but true. It does happen. You've articulated it with poignance.