Jeanette Gallagher’s most recent poem to appear here was Celebration for Baby Craig. Jeanette is one of the Albright Poets of Virginia and she often writes about family and love.
Two to Tango
By Jeanette Gallagher
By Jeanette Gallagher
The music began on a blind date
when we danced to big band sounds
under summer stars at the Surf Club
While the Atlantic kissed the Virginia Shore
gods cast their magic onto the night and blessed
the music of our hearts in sync with two souls
destined to join as harmony to song
He’d worked his way through law school
teaching dancing at Arthur Murray’s studio
and playing drums in bands in Miami night clubs
He taught me to tango a sensual dance for lovers
I danced with the ease of a natural dancer
My voice was my instrument and I sang solos
in church and school choirs, danced and sang
in musicals sponsored by clubs in our city
We were married a month after we met
We had two sons who formed their own bands
Both sang and played drums when young and now
as men when away from their professions
Our marriage was a love song
Our home was filled with music
Still there is music although I’m alone
The chord is stretched only a memory away
I find solace in stillness and peace in poetry
In the stillness there is dancing
I am the stillness in the poem
I am the music
Jeanette,
Your music and beauty continue in your friendship and in your poetry, as poignant as an end of summer melody.
Yes, you are the music. This flows beautifully. I could see you sway and the two of you wrapped in each others arms. The Cavalier was magic to many couples. The air of the Atlantic and the stars of heaven heightened the mood.
So touching and beautiful!
Thank you, Jean, for your beautiful words that are a wonderful poem as a tribute. How fortunate am I for your friendship!
Thank you so much, Jeanette, for your very kind words! You painted a lovely scene the way it was. We danced at the Cavalier Beach Club, as well. Starry nights and Sunday Tea Dances, also. I’ll bet you are too young to remember the Surf Club!
Thank you so much, Gracie. I deeply appreciate your kind words and empathy.
Jeanette
Lovely indeed.
I heard about it as a teenager and hoped to be able to go someday. Sorry to say I did.