I remember a time when
dancing felt like a pipe
dream,
because I couldn't move my
body.
The movements were stiff,
and I'd stand there
waiting for the song to
end.

I'd reminisce about a time,
When I danced barefoot in
the rain,
laughed out laud and
Without a care in the
world.

But the judgmental looks
and
loud voices of disapproval  
spoke louder
than the music.
My body went still,
locked in place, as if
cemented to the floor.

I couldn't move my legs,
or any part of my body if I
tried.

The voices drowned out the
song,
until all I could hear were
their echoes,
and the melody was lost in
the noise.
Like a stormy sea on a
moonless night,
no stars in sight
or perhaps I  couldn't see them,
too busy keeping my head
down
surviving the waves.
I laughed, banged my
head against the wall,
trying to to escape the
crashing tide.

I lost my rhythm
the song that was playing,
the ability  to feel my body-
my feet and arms felt like
they belonged to someone
else.
I didn't know where my feet
were leading me because
I couldn't feel
them.

But the moon can't stay
hidden forever.
The rise of the moon
brought clarity-
my sight and hearing
sharpened,
and I could faintly  hear
the lost song once more.

When I let go,
the moon and the waves
carried me to my temple.
The numbness in my legs
slowly eased
until I could tap to the
beat.

All I wanted to do is dance in my
temple,
but I couldn't yet,
because I'm still learning
to hear the song,
still learning to listen for
it.

But now,  I can sway to the
rythm in my temple.
The music is growing  louder
the more I let myself move.
My stiff body won't stay
stiff forever-
I'm learning to dance to
the beautiful song
that is my life.