Lisse Americain. (Translation) . Poem by Michael Walker
Lisse Americain. (Translation) .
Nous dansions- il aurait du
etre un foxtrot ou une valse,
quelquechose de romantique mais
exigeant la retenue,
le lever et la tombee, la technique
precise comme nous nous avancions
dans la prochaine chanson sans
nous arreter, deux poitrines haletant
au-dessus d'une foulee
de sept lieues - une telle agonie parfaite,
qu'on apprend a sourire tout le temps,
l'imitation ecstatique
etant la condition essentielle
du Lisse Americain.
Et parce que j'etais distraite
par l'effort
de garder mon corps
(l'inclinaison a gauche, la tete tournee
juste assez pour regarder fixement
par ton oreille et toujours
souriant, souriant) ,
je n'ai pas remarque
comment tu etais devenu immobile jusqu'a ce que
nous l'eussions fait
(pendant deux mesures?
quatre?)-accompli le vol,
cette magnificence
rapide et sereine,
avant que la terre
eut rappele qui nous etions
et nous a fait descendre.
-'American Smooth'. Rita Dove b.1952.
The poem is about ballroom dancing-a waltz or foxtrot, slow and romantic known as 'American Smooth'. The couple keep dancing, seguing into the next song with a long stride and 'ecstatic mimicry'. She was so preoccupied holding her body right that she did not notice how still her partner had become until they achieved momentary flight off the dance floor. But the force of gravity soon brought them back down to the floor.
I like 'American Smooth' a lot, as I used to learn ballroom dancing in Auckland, and go to Saturday night dances there. The poem has charm, wit and a light tone, which possibly only a female poet could have achieved. There is something about the title also that appeals and stands out.
We have danced with demanding restrain. Something romantic feelings we feel. Magnification Earth is brought up to us. A greater perspective is shared here with beautiful translation. An interesting poem is well penned...10
The couple need restraint in their dance steps, but also in their romantic feelings for each other. Dancing is romantic, and a lot of fun.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
8/29/2026 3:05:56 PM # rel_20260827T145718Z_a0f1bd3
sounds like it could be describing something more intimate than dancing, Michael
I think you are right. 'We did it' has other connotations. She is not afraid to write tastefully about sexuality, in an indirect way.