Swiftly as a schooner
we’d scorch across the floor.
No step I couldn’t master
when caught up in his arms.
No other partner
with whom I danced so well,
from a samba to the quickstep,
or a sassy cha-cha-cha.
Graceful as a swan,
I’d swing and sway to the Beguine –
the audience was wild for me,
or so I liked to think.
He’d take his bow,
I’d curtsey, and then
he’d kiss my cheek.
“Bedtime,” he would whisper.
“Don’t forget to brush your teeth.
So, goodnight,” said Fred Astaire
to his aspiring Ginger Rogers,
who’d drifted off to sleep …
still dancing on Dad’s feet.
Comments
littleditty | November 25, 2008 - 01:10
very sweet!
yaerink1203 | November 25, 2008 - 02:12
IT IS VERY SWEET!
Oh... and how can you get your stories cherry picked?
I don't have any stories of mine cherry picked. It's hard!
Silver Spun Sand | November 25, 2008 - 08:11
ld - so are you;-) I used to love dancing on my dad's feet, especially on Friday night's. There used to be a dance programme on the radio, about seven in the evening, called 'Time for Old-time'. I used to so look forward to that. Many, many moons ago now, though.
Ta for reading:-)
Tina x
Silver Spun Sand | November 25, 2008 - 08:12
Thanks for reading, yaerink. Much appreciated. And as to your question, I guess it's in the lap of the gods:-)
Tina
Bradene | November 25, 2008 - 09:49
Lovely Tina I could almost hear Joyce Grenfell's voice in the first line or two, then suddenly a childs. well done. Val x
Silver Spun Sand | November 25, 2008 - 10:30
You got in one, Val! I didn't think anyone would. Let me see, how did it go now:-
"Stately as a galleon,
I sail across the floor,
Doing the Military Two-step,
As in the days of yore.
I dance with Mrs. Tiverton;
She's light on her feet in spite
Of turning the scale at fourteen stone
And being of medium height.
So gay the band,
So giddy the sight,
Full evening dress is a must,
But the zest goes out of a beautiful waltz
When you dance it bust to bust."
I used to love watching her perform this on tele. Apart from her wonderful narration, it was her expressions and acting that really made it.
Thanks Val, for reading and for picking up on it:-)
Tinax
Bradene | November 25, 2008 - 10:53
If you have Sky TV Tina very often on Sky Arts channel you can see Maureen Lipman and Dennis King in Re- Joyce. I can thoroughly recommend it. Maureen Lipman is wonderful as Joyce, utterly believable. I have even put it on DVD. Val x
Silver Spun Sand | November 25, 2008 - 12:20
Thanks for that. Yes, I have, Val. I shall look out for it now:-)
Tina x
MistakenMagic | November 26, 2008 - 16:44
Oo it's putting me in a 'Strictly Come Dancing' mood again! I wonder if you saw Tom Chambers do his Fred Astaire moves on the dance floor? The poem is truly wonderful and the last stanza gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling :)
Magic xxx
Silver Spun Sand | November 27, 2008 - 23:32
Absolutely, Magic. Tom Chambers and his dance. Now you're talking. Absolutely magic;-)
Tina xxx
Nathan Bednarek | November 29, 2008 - 23:45
I love the cheeky and ‘flirtish’ character that seems to emerge from this poem. A very enjoyable read, well done!
Nathan.
Silver Spun Sand | November 30, 2008 - 11:10
It was one of my favourite 'games':-) I think every little girl 'flirts' with their father, if they're lucky enough.
Thank you for reading, Nathan. So much.
Tina
Nathan Bednarek | December 16, 2008 - 09:29
Well I'm not a little girl, so I wouldn't know ;-p