Tonight a celebratory dinner for her
in a restaurant suiting the occasion.
She glows, is lovely
in her blue/white Evan Picone dress.
He sits opposite her at their table
which seems slightly longer than most
of that type would usually be.
Perhaps the distance is indicative
of their relationship.

Both are "ballroom" dancers", she
to relieve the pain of her past, he
to soften his realities.
They waltz together in a formal style,
a distance between them, in tango
a corte brings no lust, only comfort
in knowing the step well. Even Bolero
with its softness and romance
does not draw them together.

They will never be lovers and one day
she will dance away with another. But,
for tonight, with fine wine, good food,
and pleasant conversation there is
deep affection between them,
and the length of the table
seems to grow shorter
as the evening dances on.

© by Robert Manchester.
Used with the author's permission.