Toe To Toe, Cheek To Cheek

Posted on Nov 23, 2021 by TanGental

The Textiliste and I have been dancing for many years now and have developed a decent repertoire of Latin and Ballroom classics.

There’s this myth about dancing, that the man leads. Fortunately same sex dancing has knocked that on its head and, anyway Ginger Rogers famously pointed out she did just as much as her partner Fred Astaire only she did it backwards and in high heels.

For us dancing has always been a partnership, neither able to do it as well without the other. In my case I have a better memory for the steps; in the Textiliste’s case she keeps us on time – left to me the music would become like that piped into lifts: pleasant if unmemorable background.

Sometime ago this inspired a sonnet on our relationship as seen through the eyes of our dancing twosome.

Today this picture appeared in my FB timeline posted by the Vet a few years ago and reminded me of that poem. I hope you enjoy them both.

The Hand That Guides
Your consoling hand sits light on my sleeve,
A Macavity tap to release me on four;
We set sail, in step, gliding with ease
Past blind spots and honey pots 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 into weakness of flesh and of soul
But you hold the leash tight; I cannot stray
And we remain linked; two parts of one whole.
May it always be thus as we gib and we tack;
You looking forward, my hand at your 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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26 Responses to Toe To Toe, Cheek To Cheek

  1. George says:
    Nov 23, 2021 at 10:05 am

    That’s lovely.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Darlene says:
    Nov 23, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    I like this one!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. pensitivity101 says:
    Nov 23, 2021 at 2:41 pm

    Lovely Geoff! Pics and the poem are terrific.
    I used to love watching my Mum and Dad dance. Mum was described by my grandfather as a ‘nice armful’, so graceful and light on her feet when she was in my Dad’s arms.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Ritu says:
    Nov 23, 2021 at 6:55 pm

    Love, love, love this, His Geoffleship 😊

    Like

  7. trifflepudling says:
    Nov 23, 2021 at 7:07 pm

    😊😊
    But how do you stop yourself tripping etc as is your wont…?

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Erika says:
    Nov 23, 2021 at 7:19 pm

    Geoff that was so beautiful. While I was reading the poem, I kept looking at the photos in between. Very touching.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. noelleg44 says:
    Nov 23, 2021 at 7:32 pm

    I did indeed enjoy them both. I learned to dance from my father, first dancing by standing on his feet when I was little. Both of my parents loved to dance, but then it was the era of big band music!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. willowdot21 says:
    Nov 23, 2021 at 7:40 pm

    Delightful 💜

    Liked by 1 person

  11. insearchofitall says:
    Nov 24, 2021 at 2:47 am

    I can’t begin to express how moved I was by this post, Geoff. For a man to acknowledge that he is a partner and not necessarily a leader in a relationship makes me wish they could clone you. In relationships, we each have something unique to give that is equally as important. A good dance partner is a rare find.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Debbie says:
    Nov 25, 2021 at 6:59 am

    That’s so sweet Geoff! Beautiful posture 🙂 It reminded me of when the Mathematician and I did a few lessons prior to our first daughter’s wedding and surprisingly he loved it, as it was just like doing a puzzle or playing a game and was very ordered (he likes order). Lovely 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Rehoboth Organic Farms says:
    Nov 25, 2021 at 1:54 pm

    Thanks for sharing 👍

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Suzanne says:
    Nov 26, 2021 at 10:56 pm

    Wonderful, we all need that bit of fun and a good challenge.

    Like

  15. KL Caley says:
    Dec 2, 2021 at 9:23 am

    This is lovely. Both the pictures and the poem. KL ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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