priscilla

she'd come to my house

and dance in the hall

with the music up loud

against the light on the wall

i danced beside her

feeling no shame

we were in costume

and this was a game

she'd put on her skirt

of layers of chiffon

the top of the umbrella had come off

so i put that on

we'd dance together then

an awkward ballet

she was 20 years older than i was

but still we did play

she was 20 years older than me

and many times my size

but it's her little feet i remember

and the look in her eyes

once when i saw her

she made me a doll

of ribbon and paper and ink

and lace

i recall

i danced beside her

feeling no shame

we were in costume

and this was a game

i think of her now i'm older

i still love to dance

something will shine through the body

if you give it a chance