DANCING WITH ISAAC
I was dancing with my grandson today. He is only 17 months old.
He wanted me to teach him. Who’d think he would be so bold?
(He didn’t really ask me, it was more of an unspoken request. He doesn’t have to talk a lot, hugs and kisses still work best.)
I clasped his little hands and started to sway, moving with the beat, when low and behold I looked down and he was moving his feet!
He couldn’t match the beat, of course. He simply is too small. But he looked up at me and smiled like he felt 10 feet tall.
I left the music behind and matched my steps to his own, and soon he was pulling me across the floor just like he was grown. He was stepping sideways and back and I just followed his lead. He looked up in amazement and filled my heart with greed. How could I absorb enough of this love and joy before adolescence plants its ugly seed?
He seemed to find it so funny that I was following him sideways and back. His smile was wide from ear to ear like his face was going to crack.
I turned one hand loose, held the other and told him to spin around. He smiled and started spinning then fell laughing to the ground.
It seems no one has told him “That’s not what white men do.” You can move your head, you can move your hips, maybe a wiggle or two.
You never pick your feet up or act like Fred Astair. You never shake and shimmy as if you haven’t a care. God forbid a Pirouette or a leap into the air.
I’m glad he is too young to know these things just are not done. I’m not looking for a Baryshnikov, just a child happy enough to dance in the sun.
A child left free to laugh and learn to dance in his own way, to grow into a young man with the confidence to ask a girl to dance one day.
Laura Blanton
August 14, 2007
6 comments:
I don't have the words to describe how marvelous this poem is. You are a lady of many talents!
Thank you, but mainly I just have great inspiration! He is such a special child and I am doubly blessed as I never had a biological child. You may already know, but this is the child of my oldest step-daughter. I have had her and her sister since they were 10 and 6.
I used to have my own column in a monthly publication, but my migraine disease has progressed that I can no longer write for that. I can't spend that much time at the computer.
Thanks again.
I can just picture you Isaac dancing away, maybe not like Fred and Ginger, but two beautiful people having lots of fun. You are blessed to have him and to be able to enjoy him. Love Madeline
Isn't it amazing how children can brighten your day? And grandchildren are the best! I can picture you dancing now!
That is a beautiful poem. I was smiling all the way reading it with images of you and Issac dancing.
Thanks to all of you. It is so beneficial and satisfying for me to share my thoughts. And, very rewarding for others to enjoy them! Grandchildren are certainly a precious gift! I am proud to have made you smile.
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