The Waltz

Posted on 2023-04-18 by Bartholomew Barker

We’ve danced this dance
before but I appreciate
your enthusiasm when I ask
and offer you my hand.

We fit together like comfortable
clothes. The music leads our heart
though I still step on your feet
more than either of us would like.

For quick apology I keep a rose
neatly tucked up each sleeve.
My forearms may get scratched
because I leave on the thorns

but I won’t suffer the pain
of your disappointment.

(For today’s prompt, write a love poem…)

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About Bartholomew Barker

Bartholomew Barker is an organizer of Living Poetry, a collection of poets in the Triangle region of North Carolina where he has hosted a monthly feedback workshop for more than decade. His first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular, written in and about strip clubs, was published in 2013. His second, Milkshakes and Chilidogs, a chapbook of food inspired poetry was served in 2017. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he lives and writes poetry.
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15 Responses to The Waltz

  1. Gypsie-Ami Offenbacher-Ferris's avatar Gypsie-Ami Offenbacher-Ferris says:
    2023-04-18 at 20:15

    Extremely moving and deep Bartholomew – lovely. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. jsimpsonpoet's avatar jsimpsonpoet says:
    2023-04-18 at 20:18

    Beautiful, Bartholomew. Smiling again! I love that there’s humour in the beauty.

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. Sarah E Barker's avatar Sarah E Barker says:
    2023-04-18 at 20:51

    very nice

    Liked by 1 person

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  4. JeanMarie's avatar JeanMarie says:
    2023-04-18 at 22:23

    “We fit together like comfortable
    clothes. ” nice!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. Kym Gordon Moore's avatar Kym Gordon Moore says:
    2023-04-19 at 18:35

    Oh wow Bartholomew, what a beautiful waltz of words. Love this:

    My forearms may get scratched
    because I leave on the thorns
    but I won’t suffer the pain
    of your disappointment.

    Bravo! 🥰👏🏼🤩

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. Susi Bocks's avatar Susi Bocks says:
    2023-04-30 at 19:57

    Self-imposed punishment lingers worse than forgiven missteps. This is a very thought-provoking piece, Bart. <3

    Liked by 1 person

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