Tango Lessons, a poem written by Kenneth Salzmann at Spillwords.com

Tango Lessons

Tango Lessons

written by: Kenneth Salzmann

 

Step slow slow quick quick
slow
through a lifetime
of swivels and turns
and graceful cortés.

Embrace your partner
sensuously
as you wished to embrace
life itself, wrapping your arms
around a space between
the firm grasp of certainty
and the loose elegance
of letting go.
Step slow slow
quick quick
slow toward
the final tanda.

Death—the poet of love said
edging unto the dance floor—
comes in a dream
wears a miniskirt
and teaches the dying
to tango.

Kenneth Salzmann

Kenneth Salzmann

Kenneth Salzmann is a poet and writer who divides his time between New York’s Hudson Valley and central Mexico. He is the author of The Last Jazz Fan and Other Poems.
Kenneth Salzmann

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