Rehearsal
Dancing, they make sound out of speed, Hold down rhythm under each gym shoe And bring up music to suit their need.
Not as we do, patiently awaiting the HO Moment to make the hard steps we've
Been taught, following as secretaries might,
Always a word or two behind, but ahead: They intercept each snapped order, call Its bluff and are not deceived. Instead They deceive their audiences with light Movements and gaiety, as if they danced To speak or cry. It is their sleight Of hand which takes music from air. It is the poet's wish to plot the same Ease from all he knows. To dare Pass sentence on things which spring From their own need. He must imprison All for a while before they can sing, Before he is free. His fear is in too long Rehearsal, too hard a term in the cells To remember still the first untroubled song•
HUG WILLIAMS
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