When I walked into the room I felt your gaze,
Which I purposely ignored and looked away.
I met the gaze of everyone but you;
I bestowed a smile that wasn't true.
And though my heart was torn I hid it well.
Happiness became my outer shell.
I chatted and I laughed and I appeared
To be having too much fun for any tears.
Your gaze was always on me, so intense
My partners wondered why I stumbled when I danced.
For hours I was worried of your coming;
I fled as much as I could without running.
The music and the food and fancy dress
I would remember but for my distress.
While I flirted and I curtseyed and I danced
You watched along the walls as if entranced,
And I blushed to think that you were watching me
Doing things I knew I shouldn't be.
But I chose to enjoy all the host could offer
I chose the road that was straighter and was softer.
Then suddenly, you caught me unawares,
I let my guard down for a moment, you were there.
When you asked me for that dance could I refuse?
I could not think of one more good excuse.
So, frightened as I was I took your hands,
And let you lead me in the motions of the dance.
I trembled as all eyes across the room
Saw I was dancing with someone like you.
But I took your nail-scarred hands and held them tight
And then I finally looked up in your eyes.
When I saw them everything became so clear to me:
Dancing in your arms is where I'm meant to be.
The distraction and the noise faded away
And I saw that only You and I remained.
You whispered you forgave me and you loved me still.
My joy emerged through all the tears of pain that fell.
Here we were and here's where I belonged,
It was you I should have danced with all along.
For as often as I have to be pursued,
I still love You and I want to dance with You.
(c) 2005-2006 Heather Summers
postscript
This is an allegory. I used it when I spoke at my school assembly, and I got a lot of response. Seeing as how God uses what I write to speak to others, I made copies and gave them out. Those people showed them to others and so on. I got good feedback and it warms my heart to know that God's words through me have helped others. I write a lot of poetry like this, but I don't often share it. I'm also protective of it and I ask that you remember the copyright is mine- and God's. ^^ Please do not reproduce or use it in any way at all without my express permission. But do enjoy it.