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Sweet oblivion of the Dancing King

by Anne Howe

He sways to the rhythm

And doubles the beat

His hands trace out circles

There’s a song in his feet

 

He’s one of the crowd

Out on the dance floor

His eyes are asparkle

His confidence sure

 

Only his lips are a

Bit out of time

As the words of the Beatles

They fervently mime

 

With his beautiful smile

This boy is a star

But dances alone

‘Ob la di, Ob la da’*

 

He’s ‘a fool on a hill’*

A ‘yellow submarine’*

‘All you need is love’*

His face is serene

 

While the night is still young

Others dance to the beat

The man in the corner

Has just left his seat

 

The boy who has made up

The best dance all night

Just loses his sparkle

Replaced now with fright

 

The carer approaches

And beckons him come

The dancing boy’s freedom

To an end has just come

 

His chromosome pattern

Is different, he knows.

His mouth now is slack

His expression morose

 

He is sad to be leaving

The Beatles behind

Confusion now clouds

His ‘different’ mind

 

For a time, though alone

He felt close to the beat

Of a regular life

But accepts now defeat

 

To bed, and for nighttime

He’ll recline and lie still

But the beat still lives on

And beat it, he will.

 

*titles of songs by the Beatles

 

10/07/2002

Author's Note: Inspired by the enthusiastic and dazzlingly accurate rhythm of a "Down's Syndrome' boy, at a performance by a Beatles look-a-like group - The Beatnix

Posted on 10/08/2002
Copyright © 2024 Anne Howe

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 10/08/02 at 01:05 PM

Touching dedication to a great band and fellow fan, Anne.

Posted by Cathlyn Cartier on 10/23/02 at 01:12 PM

I am so touched by your portrayal of differently abled individuals. I wish the world could see them through your words and your eyes.

Posted by David R Spellman on 10/30/02 at 08:15 PM

Wonderful rythym and message Anne - well done!

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