Dancing Figures Poem by Midifo Yearns

Dancing figures on the square
smiles of freedom, moves of grace
beating drums the rhythms bring
to the songs that hearts may sing
claiming life and claiming space
joy and peace are everywhere

But on the streets that fan from there
one meets a face that carries much
in painful eyes and rugged search
like wounded bird attached to perch
that longs to fly and leave the crutch
that binds a life in sad despair

This one may be quite old by now,
or young, attractive, lost, afraid
moves are slow with heavy steps
and all the pain is in their depths
somewhere there are debts not paid
and noise within, makes quite a row.

Can dancers bring them some relief
and lighten up their weary hearts;
will music speak to what’s within,
invite and coax to empty bin
of all that pierced with poison darts
and open treasures immune to thief?

The journey’s long, the dance is now
and discords can derail the steps
but everyone can claim the right
to live their life within the light
and let the truth reveal the depths
of gift before which all can bow.