by

poetry: dancing girl

sadness takes residence inside my bones
sometimes. it drives tiny sharp stakes 
deep into marrow before releasing
its large grey tent. i don’t notice
until the fires start and thick smoke
takes my breath away. no. not again.

reaction isn’t quick—no flashing lights 
or loud sirens. instead, i silently wait 
for dancing girl to wake. press needle
onto vinyl. stretch. sing. call. dreamily
she’ll arrive amid bubbles, swirls, golden
light. sadness doesn’t stand a chance.

Note: I don’t always remember the power of movement, but once the music starts my body does. This poem and photos were created as part of the “What Moves You?” challenge. Thank you Michele Lee of My Inspired Life for your continued support of my healing journey. I can’t wait to read all the moving posts.

63 thoughts on “poetry: dancing girl”

  3. This was one of the most beautiful things I read all morning, thank you for sharing. The image pairing added to the inherent beauty of your words. You almost made me cry, thank you.

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  4. This was wonderfully uplifting, Bridgette! <3 Such a charming photo of your springtime joy coupled with powerful heartfelt verses of releasing gloom's stranglehold to make way for swirls, bubbles and golden light.
    Glad they help so much 🙂

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    • Another fellow dancing queen, huzzah! I’ve got a few concerts coming up this summer and two music festivals. I’m so excited to dance the blues away. Thank you for such a kind comment.

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    • It IS hard to stay down when the music is playing! I think losing live music was one of the hardest things for me during the whole quarantine period. I’m so glad to be back to concerts and dancing at festivals.

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  7. Bridgette, we all need to pull out our version of “dancing girl.” In my case, it would be a different gender, but the act is the same. The best thing about TV commercials commandeering old classic songs, they provide us with ear worms to dance to. Keith

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    • You have no idea how excited I am! I tear up thinking of just being in the same building as her. On my 30th birthday, man years ago now, I saw David Bowie in concert. I was in the third row. I sobbed and then I danced. I have a feeling this will be the same. Her music means so much to me.

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      • You got it! I’m going to probably be doing a bunch of posts on my story. We are going 5 hours early to wait in line and hopefully that means we will be close!

      • My sister and my work husband went last week and they absolutely loved it. My sister was dying the next day at work though. It was mother’s Day. The day after the concert was mother’s Day which is one of the busiest days at the restaurant every year.

  9. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and poem!!.. “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” (Plato)…. 🙂

    Hope your music is filled with joy and happiness and until we meet again,,
    May love and laughter light your days,
    and warm your heart and home.
    May good and faithful friends be yours,
    wherever you may roam.
    May peace and plenty bless your world
    with joy that long endures.
    May all life’s passing seasons
    bring the best to you and yours!
    (Irish Saying)

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  11. Bridgette! You have definitely driven away sadness with this post! You almost made Damien cry… you did make me cry. 💖 Beautiful! The photo of gorgeous smiling you and your words. Royal purple is your color! 💜 Love the record shot too. Well done! 👏🏻 Thank you so much for joining us! Your name will be entered into Sunday’s drawing. 😊

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    • Aww! Thank you so much for the kind words and for hosting such a fun challenge. I’m glad you enjoyed my post and I’m excited to read what others have offered. Off to do that now!

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      • A delight for me! Your smiling contribution is greatly appreciated! 🌟Thanks too, for taking the time to read the contributions of others. 🙏🏻

  12. Bridgette, I simply love your liberation through the power of music and dancing. Honey chile, I am so there with you. I love your approach to Michele’s challenge! Don’t you dare stop dancing! 💃🏻🎶👯‍♀️

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      • Can you hear me now Bridgette? I’m singing in the rain ☔ and twirling through the wind. 💃🏽 I am right there with ya girlfriend, arm in arm and hand in hand! 🎶👯‍♀️🎵

  15. Oh, Bridgette, your words are so moving, and it fills my heart with deep joy to see this beautiful sunny and smiling photo of you as you ready yourself to dance. Dancing is never one of those things I ever mastered or had the confidence to do, even when I try to dance alone. But you, my dear friend, are just inspiring, and I am so happy to see you dancing your way from the smoke that takes your breath away to the bubbles, swirls and golden light. I can’t tell you how much seeing your photo with your big joyful smile gives me such pleasure. I wish you many more times when you can truly dance your sadness and the shadows away and move on to the spring of your life. Sending so much love to you, dear Bridgette. Xx 💐💝

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    • As usual, Ellie, your comment has me smiling so big! Thank you. I’m so glad you enjoyed this happy post. I sometimes forget that dancing connects me to a deeper part of myself and to let myself go fully in is how I heal from stress and pain. I appreciate your kindness and love! You’ve given me something to dance for today. Much love back to you, dear friend!❤️

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