A Folk Dance Poem by Theresa Ann Moore

The Chardash is of Hungarian origin
with a name derived from a tavern
Said to be the dance of the gypsies…
Danced by the light of the lantern

A dance that captures the hearts
of those who hear the violins bowing
Wearing tradition garb displaying pride
while spirited songs keep feet going

This distinctive dance sparks a fire
in the inner being of my cultural identity
I remember the soulful violins playing…
as my parents danced with familiarity

This was a rare moment in my life when
I saw the two of them in synchronized
motion…not once out of captivating step
together in a whirl…as if hypnotized

9/23/2010