Monday, 19 April 2010

A Dance to the Music of Time

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

This poem is another favourite of mine. Some younger people seem to think we older ones have nothing to look forward to as we get old(er) besides daytime TV. Well, let them think again…

This poem was last seen on the blog in 2008 and is repeated today especially for ‘Andy and Nick’ who are celebrating 45 years of living together culminating in a Civil Partnership last year. Apparently, today is the anniversary of the day they first met way back in 1965. Both are in their 70s now and, by all accounts can still give the young ones a run for their money.

Let’s all wish them well, yeah?

A DANCE TO THE MUSIC OF TIME

By a river, lost in admiration
for a pair of turtle-doves,
a ballet celebration of freedom
across blanket blue skies
though they risk being shot down;
bolder, even by traditions
among societies less inclined
to dispute genetics

Here-and-Now, tell-tale squeeze
of rheumy fingers,
pulse slowing but for doves
painting pictures
on twin canvases for tired bodies
taken by surprise,
inspired to stay ever positive,
and seize the day

Caught out, dancing to the music
of time, earth and sky
making space for us in the heat
of our revival, sunspots
like bright eyes winking approval
at gay lovers last seen
tripping the light fantastic
on the world stage

Copyright R. N. Taber 2004; 2018

[Note: An earlier version of this poems appears in The Third Eye by R. N. Taber, Assembly Books, 2004.]

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