The last few couples cling
wild dark feathered figures
breathing in wild unison
as they dance dervishlike
in a loud neon heaven
embracing then releasing
clutching lustily again and again
under silent stars
as the music goes silent
and each partner’s intimate scent
reminds of old lovers
never quite forgotten
because memories expand like music
and most when dancing
behind masks that lie
about the inevitable partnerlessness
everyone will face
no matter how ecstatically
they dance in defiance of time
hypnotized by the sweet personal music
that always deceives lovers
willing to dance
in a late parade.