Grandmothers’ Dance
written by: Dennis Maulsby
Standing in a circle, they discuss the errors
their children are making as parents,
and in spite of the mistakes,
the perfection of their grandkids.
You watch the grandmothers sway,
from side-to-side, one foot to the other.
It’s a reflex, a habit they say, caused by
all those years of rocking babies to sleep,
of comforting sick children.
It’s a gentle waltz, with no apparent music,
insinuated into our ancestors from time spent
in ancient trees swaying in the slow breeze
of an eon-old African evening.
A dance more primal than Salome
shedding seven veils — a pattern of steps
that draws you back to memories of warm arms
and the soft silk pillows of women’s breasts —
your small sleepy head at peace.
Dennis Maulsby lives in Ames, Iowa. His poems and short stories have appeared in The North American Review, Mainstreet Rag, The Hawai’i Pacific Review, The Briarcliff Review (Pushcart nomination), and on National Public Radio’s Themes & Variations. His traditionally published books include: ‘Near Death/Near Life’ (MWSA gold medal winner), ‘Free Fire Zone’ (MWSA Silver medal winner), ‘Winterset’ (Eric Hoffer Award winner and Global Ebook gold medal winner), ‘The Fantasy Works,’ and ‘House de Gracie’ (Reader Views and Global Ebook Silver medal awards). Maulsby is an associate member of the SFWA and past president of the Iowa Poetry Association.
Latest posts by Dennis Maulsby (see all)
- The Laws - June 30, 2023
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