Anna Fox

A Courting Dance - Honorable Mention (Grades 9-10)

darling,
let me court you.
let my soft hands coax your rough ones
out of your deep jacket pockets.
listen to my voice
the lilt of my laugh
and tell me you aren’t starting to fall.
when the moon is up
and the stars are out
i know you’re thinking of me
and smiling that smile you hide
from everyone else.

weave your way into my life
and i’ll tear a hole in yours
let my eyes deceive you
let the warmth of my lips
be your saving grace
we are embroidered flowers
and second chances
and a life waiting to be lived
- even if the sky falls, i’ll be waiting for you in the ashes