Sweet oblivion of the Dancing King by Anne Howe
He sways to the rhythm
And doubles the beat
His hands trace out circles
Theres a song in his feet
Hes 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*
Hes 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 boys 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
Hell 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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