Dancing Lessons

Dancing Lessons

McClusky relished her dance lessons. 

Her instructor was a lively Russian woman named Bunina

Whose demonstrations included furious twirls and leaps.

The dance studio was downtown on the top floor of  the Arcade Building

Where the late afternoon light 

Plunged through the high windows to fill the room.

But

Being on the top floor 

The dance studio required a long dark climb up the arcade stairs

A climb that made McClusky sigh despite her anticipation.

One afternoon Bunina announced  -

“Today we will dance with Fred,” and laughing

Led the dancers out of the bright studio to the top of the shadowy stairway.

“Stairs?” McClusky dismayed, “What if we fall down?”

“Liebchen,” Bunina smiled, “You will fall

But not down. 

First you'll grab for the bannister

Then your heel will catch you

You will find your balance, then

Edges, space, the stairs themselves will dance with you,

You and the stairs 

Dancing partners.

After you've learned what the stairs have to teach you

I'll let you dance with the broom.”

McClester