Frame by Ann Medlock

 

• FRAME
• 
  
• “Gentlemen, set your frames.
• This here dance starts simple
• and gets tricky real fast.
• Your lady cannot do
• the necessary turns and
• flourishes if you do not
• give her frame.
• But if you got
• steady shoulders,
• rock-strong arms,
• sure footing,
• then there she goes,
• twirling, double-timing,
• knowing she can count on you
• for balance. Give way
• when she swings out,
• when she’s off balance—
• her spin will take her down.
• Then you got one bruised and
• limping little lady, don’t you know?”
• You ask what I need from you
• as I rescript my life, ending what
• I thought it was and spinning into
• what it may really be. No actions,
• no words are needed, only frame,
• only the pinpoint touch of your
• solid presence, only the still point
• without which there is no dance,
• and we know there is only the dance.

  

     - - - Ann Medlock