we are slow dancing.

music calls out softly from above,
but i barely notice,
entranced by the moment.
we swing together with ease,
two halves of a greater mind.
i’m so glad to have restored
this peace.

but then you step on my toe.

the music swells.
suddenly my fists are beating on your chest.
they pound on and on but do no damage.
with each strike your resolve only builds.
the space between our bodies nears inferno.
now the room burns red.
ash rains down in glowing heaps,
charring my skin but missing you altogether.
chaos has found my sanctuary.
i cry out to you:
make it stop!
just let me be!

but the flames still boil with hostility.
i look into your eyes,
searching for the humanity
behind that steely gaze.
but there is none to find.
i struggle to keep dancing,
to keep thinking, caring, breathing!
i forget how to love!

then there is quiet.
the fire dies,
the music slows.

we are slow dancing.