The Hand That Guides

Posted on Jun 23, 2020 by TanGental

For many years, the Textiliste and I have taken dance classes; we have a system that involves her ensuring I stay on the beat while I manage the steps. Like marriage, it’s all in the compromises…

Your consoling hand sits light on my sleeve,

A confident tap to release me on four;

We set sail, in step, gliding with ease

Past blind spots and missteps strewn on the floor.

I fumble to catch that elusive toe-tap

Which, if I could, would allow me my head.

You remind me, by way of a quick finger snap,

Of the dangers where taking that path might lead.

I continually try to do it my way,

To give in to weakness of mind and of soul

But you hold my love tight; I cannot stray

And we remain linked: two parts of one whole.

May it always be thus as we gib and we tack,

Both looking forward, your hand at my back.

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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39 Responses to The Hand That Guides

  1. derrickjknight says:
    Jun 23, 2020 at 1:43 pm

    A very fine tribute. Jackie reminds me that in the 60s she dragged me along to Frank and Peggy Spencer – apparently I said the music was all wrong. The exercise was not repeated.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. James says:
    Jun 23, 2020 at 1:48 pm

    My other half and I took up dancing for a while (she did not like me leading). Currently having a toddler in our midst, and a lack of babysitters, has put it on hold for a while (notwithstanding pandemics of course) but in spite of our ineptitude it was brilliant fun.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. willowdot21 says:
    Jun 23, 2020 at 2:05 pm

    That’s marriage described perfectly, I thought you were going to tell us about the dance 😂😬😁😁 💜

    Liked by 1 person

  4. John W. Howell says:
    Jun 23, 2020 at 3:04 pm

    I enjoyed this and the photo as well, Geoff.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. pensitivity101 says:
    Jun 23, 2020 at 3:17 pm

    I used to love to watch my Mum and Dad dance. They had grace and style and would glide across the dance floor. Happy memories, and a lovely poem Geoff.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Mary Smith says:
    Jun 23, 2020 at 4:03 pm

    Aaw. Lovely, Geoff. I love the photo, too.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Ritu says:
    Jun 23, 2020 at 4:26 pm

    This is just lovely, His Geoffleship!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Becky Ross Michael says:
    Jun 23, 2020 at 4:28 pm

    I love this…the verse and the thoughts.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. says:
    Jun 23, 2020 at 4:44 pm

    Wonderful Geoff.. sentiment and verse.. my parents continued to go to dinner dances well into their 70s, would stay the weekend and come back with knowing smiles.. the way it should be.. x

    Liked by 2 people

  10. Darlene says:
    Jun 23, 2020 at 5:59 pm

    What a wonderful poem. You summed up marriage, and dancing, so well. Can’t get hubby to go dancing, sigh. He has other good qualities though. xo

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Rebecca Moon Ruark says:
    Jun 23, 2020 at 8:18 pm

    That is wonderful, Geoff–especially the last two lines. Fantastic, I bet your wife loved it!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter says:
    Jun 23, 2020 at 11:18 pm

    Love the poem – great metaphor – and the picture too. You look as though you can’t quite believe your luck, as well you might! I spent ages admiring the Textiliste’s outfit before I noticed your tie co-ordinated with it so well.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. JT Twissel says:
    Jun 23, 2020 at 11:18 pm

    Your wife is a lucky lady! Dancing with my husband is like dancing with the vacuum cleaner. And god forbid he’d ever write a lovely poem to me!

    Liked by 3 people

  14. Jennie says:
    Jun 24, 2020 at 1:03 pm

    Nice, Geoff!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. samfiftysomething says:
    Jun 24, 2020 at 2:50 pm

    Love this. You’re a smoothie Mr Geoff, beautiful poem & a dancer! Lots of brownie points there!!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Elizabeth says:
    Jun 24, 2020 at 8:37 pm

    Lovely poem which definitely describes a marriage that is working. As for the color coordination, good job.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Widdershins says:
    Jun 25, 2020 at 4:55 am

    The magic of dancing is that it doesn’t matter who leads so long as both parties consent. 🙂 … like a good many things in life. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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