she stands by herself, shunted to the side
sequin dress glittering under the light
when the others look at her, she smiles
but only rarely; brighter stars glow at night
she’s out in the open, no four walls
no recluse to duck to, nowhere to fall
scanning the crowd, holding glasses for two
holding back tears and trying not to brood
the music swells; she begins to move
at last a partner approaches her to groove
it’s the cold wind. her cheek is caressed
resting its hands on the back of her dress.
her feet move quick, but it matches her pace
and although her partner doesn't have a face
she imagines it is grinning widely at her
as it spins her around and she twirls
finally, she has a partner who begins to sway.
she’s been waiting for this the whole day
the wind sure knows its way on the dance floor
and she laughs. she needs nothing more