Counting Beats

We dance in circles.
No one’s sure who’s leading.
Your arm a claim around my back,
my shoulders stiff, screaming. 

I turn my face away,
neck locked,
breath held against your breath.

Go on—
call it a dance.
Pretend you’re leading.
I’m just counting beats
and biding time.

I’ll foxtrot to your tango,
jive to your waltz,
twist out of your grip
as you drag me across
polished floors.

Splinters in my soles,
laces loose,
heels catching in the cracks.

You think you’ve got me.
But I’m the one
who knows when to stop the music.

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