Dinner Dance

The table is set,
hors d’oevres discarded
to a sotto voce contra-dance
we lead our partners to the table,
four dancer’s eyes meet, smiling
we take our seats.
Smoothly performed so far.

A fox trot accompanies the
spread table napkins, lobster bisque
and too-polite conversation. Next
the main course of Moroccan lamb
with rice to a spicy Samba, a steady beat
of well-being and humour but as we finish
a Bolero throbs in the background,
tangible growing tension.

Dessert is a raspberry and white chocolate
Cheesecake to a Gavotte scored
so all four may take part but
as I fetch the coffee and liqueurs
she beats me to it with a
Fandango designed to provoke him
and he kicks her under the table.

Now an Apache dance for two as they
verbally toss their relationship around
practiced to never leaving a mark.

We’re smiling as
we say goodnight at the door
my face aches.