Dance

Sweaty and hot, your hands gripped me at the prescribed places, like hands on a clock at three p.m.

We stumped slowly in a tightly defined but unmarked circle on the gymnasium floor, our bodies stiff and held apart though drawn together.

Feet struggling to avoid each other, we were pained not only by the foreign position but the oddness of our shoes.

Friends giggled at the periphery, happy and nervous for us, reflecting our feelings like the mirrored ball above.

Eyes darting here and there, we did not dare look at each other lest we break down and cry, or laugh about this strange new world.

But now, so many years later, we have become easy and free, unconstrained by the expectations of others.

We spin and whirl like doves at dusk, comforted and comfortable in the dance that is us.
_________
Copyright © 2013 Femme Malheureuse 
Words: 143
Originally submitted to fan fic flash fic - Week 37
Photo prompt: origin unknown