Gerry Jacobson
Lord of the Dance
At the movement workshop I feel apprehensive, vulnerable. Don’t know why, but the fear is there. Why should it dominate a bright summer morning?
We do an exercise in boundary work with a partner. Walking towards each other and stopping. How close can I get to this unknown partner. I’m aware of real fear. I hope I don’t offend him but I back off when he approaches. We have different boundaries for personal space.
unshed tears
of a lifetime
all that matters
is to be here
in the dance ... together
The teacher asks me to demonstrate something. Is it the heart-pelvis connection? I close my eyes and move slowly for three minutes or so. Focus inwards and allow the movement to come from within.
coming
to a still point
listening...
rush of the breath
pounding of my heart
Swirling curves of inner light. When I open my eyes people are staring at me. J asks how I felt in the dance. “I felt like some sort of god!” I say.
in the depths
of a temple
in the centre
of this universe
I dance my dance
About the Author
Gerry Jacobson lives in Canberra, Australia, and can be found writing tanka in its cafés. He was a geologist in a past life and now celebrates reincarnation as a dancer.