the world phenomenal
  it seems
has always been
a threat or a temptation

to catch it all
in its totality
or to improve on it
with thought's ideal rules
  sharpened by generations
have caused discussions
over centuries

the other night
we saw a stately scholar do
   rather spontaneously
an old Greek dance
in one of Athen's old-town restaurants

her body moved
graceful yet meticulous
  gave shape to measured
steps and figures
  known over centuries
  in the small village of her birth

and while she shared with us
the ancient spirit of her place
  her dancing caught
  the joyous moment of that night

                    * *