A Jive of Vibrations by Emma Lee

Dance is the creation of a memory

through the mnemonic of rhythm,

repetition. Music is maths: count,

geometry of two bodies shaped

to attract, repel, attract again.

An index and middle finger

make a vee-shape, tap twice.

Costumes add a layer.

A high ponytail, curled to bounce.

She feels her pastel rainbow fringed

dress still move when she stops.

The tune, adapted to be heavy

on drums and bass so vibrations

can be felt. She was nervous

about this: quick, quick, quick

flick under a quiver of lights.

The audience waves its applause.

---

Emma Lee’s publications include “The Significance of a Dress” (Arachne, 2020) and "Ghosts in the Desert" (IDP, 2015). She co-edited “Over Land, Over Sea,” (Five Leaves, 2015), was Reviews Editor for The Blue Nib, reviews for magazines and blogs at https://emmalee1.wordpress.com.

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