—after Rita Dove’s “Girls on the Town, 1946”

Thirty seconds across the threshold
           music grabs your neck & shoulders
shakes you free from questions—
           your mother’s worried eyes
your father’s furrowed brow.

Across the darkened room
           you recognize faces
lit by swirling silver flashes—

red lips laughing, eyes outlined 
           in diamond glitter.
These are your people,
           your sisters in youth.

Close your eyes—
           ease your body
                     onto the dance floor.
Let the music envelop you.  

Now perfume, aftershave, engulf.
Sweat dampens the small of your back—
           prickles your hairline.

Swirl your psychedelic
           gold and aubergine mini dress.

You feel a tap on your shoulder,
           turn to a wide smile, narrow eyes,
                        his warm hand on your wrist.

And the music propels you on and on.

Check out Dale Champlin’s collection of poetry from The Opiate Books, Victims of Desire.