Inspired by Theodore Roethke’s ‘My Papa’s Waltz’
He joined the family waltz
The day that he was born;
With playful somersaults,
Toots ringing from his horn.
He balance stepped with Life,
His "corner" on his left;
Tunes sweetly played by fife,
His fingers small and deft.
Twirled then towards the right,
Suddenly out of breath;
It gave him such a fright,
Cold, pallid mask of Death.
Then to the left again,
He danced with Life once more;
Slim healthy boy of ten,
Gliding across the floor.
But to the right he turned,
Faint, drawn by Death's embrace;
He shaking, then concerned,
Legs rooted to their place.
The young man recovered,
Danced two waltz tours with Life;
Though Death always hovered,
He found himself a wife.
Danced all the way around
Through all of life's stages;
Steps elegantly wound,
Danseur at all ages.
And finally, he smiled;
She gently squeezed his hand;
An old man, not a child,
The music had been grand.
The d’Verse prompt: ‘Waltzing’
At d’Verse, we were instructed to take a look at waltz. In waltz, one counts to three. We were to reflect upon the “beat” of a poem in the same way we do with music and make some effort counting to three.
If you’re curious, you can read more about this prompt.
The Skeptic's Kaddish 🇮🇱 
This piece is so moving and beautifully written David. Just lovely.
❤ Thanks, LaDonna ❤
💗💗
I think there are many who have to dance such a “family waltz” before finding a way out with a partner… glad the darker side wasn’t inherited
yep ~ he was a lucky guy!
❤
David
So much emotion in this dance. Which we all must navigate, one way or another. (K)
💗 Thanks, Kerfe 💗
Beautiful, David. Love it. ❤️
💗 Thanks, Jeff 💗
Welcome, David. Always. ❤️
What an interesting poem. The nuance of life interspersed with dances with death led us onward through what turned out to be a long life! Great write, David
💖 Thanks, Bev 💖
Beautifully written David. Lovely. Please stay safe my friend. Praying for you and your family. Love to your beloved ones my friend. Hugs Joni ❤️
💖 Thanks, Joni 💖
My pleasure my friend David. ❤️🤗
Well done with the beat. I do like that though we waltz through life, death is always a constant hovering presence. Life is good and grand.
❤ Thanks, Grace ❤