Last weekend when I was dancing after some hard stuff, I had no idea that Chris had chosen “Shall we Dance?” for our Spiritual Thursday theme this week. There’s a group of bloggers who have been dedicated to Spiritual Thursday and take turns hosting the links on our blogs. We typically post on the first Thursday of the month, but life has been happening at full speed and I had not slowed down enough to notice this is it.
However coincidentally or maybe God, the universe, were speaking to me last Saturday at Festival Internationale. My husband Jeff and I met up with our girls and their families late afternoon at the free music festival. There was one band Jeff and I wanted to see, so we broke away from our family and joined the Cajun music tent. The weather turned cold after a morning front had moved through. The wind picked up to gusts that sent my dress flying. We danced and danced and danced…to every song Bonsoir, Catin played.
We find such joy in the mix of people in the tent. The band is an all girl band who have been playing together in some mixture of women Cajun artists for 20 years. They chose their name from a traditionally Cajun term that means something close to “Good evening, baby doll.” They have taken it to mean Cajun Girl Power. While Jeff and I were dancing, I wrote a poem in my head. It was a little while before I could get to paper, so this is a rough draft, but this is how I felt Saturday night.
Festival Dancing
In the Bonsoir Catin tent,
Festival feet are two-steppin’
All the girls are playin’
fiddle
bass
accordion
acoustic and electric guitar.The parking lot is full.
We bump backs,
step on toes,
twirl and lose a hat.Cares tossed to the wind
that blows in a hurricane swirl
lifting my dress.He tells me “You are light tonight.”
Margaret Simon, draft
as we dance, dance, dance.
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret, I love both your story and your poem. The images made me happy and I could hear the music! Thank you!
Margaret, this is so beautiful. You have captured the cold front and the “You are light tonight” he said is so romantic and sweet. I love your post today and this theme. (It’s been a long time since I’ve joined you all on the first Thursday of the month. I’ll have to think about this theme today…)
I love the “light” and free feeling of this poem/dance, Margaret. “Cares tossed to the wind”
“Cares tossed to the wind” such appropriate words to describe the effect that music and dancing has on us.
I loved reading this… later I was re-reading Irene Latham’s This Poem Is a Nest and I found this poem reminded me of your story and poem and prompted me to return to send a comment.
Dancing
wordless flight
of heartbeat
and feet
To the poet in me, this is the highest form of praise. Thanks!
Wonderful! I love the name of the band and that you and your husband share a joy of dance together.
The festiveness comes through, Margaret – my favorite image is that of you dancing and your dress flying in the wind gusts. My favorite line: “You are light tonight.” You needed this dance!
I am loving the music accompanying the theme in our group’s writing this month! This post is so filled will light and joy; I’m glad my prompt connected with your moments of happiness.
So fun that you included a video of the band.The music we share on SJT is always a wonderful treat for me. I think if I came to Louisiana, even I would dance.
Your poem captured the essence of dance with its lithe lines of cares tossed, skirts lifted, and hubby’s compliment, “You are light tonight.”
Margaret, I’m sorry that I responded late. You made my morning happy with the song, dancing, and poetry goodness. “We danced and danced and danced…” That is a joyous exercise of heart and soul. I can see your dress flying in the wind and both your hearts beating to the tune. Dancing is such an amazing flight of spirit. Maybe your draft can become a small poem for Springsations Gallery. I hope your week will make you and your students flutter with happiness.
I love this! It’s so good to be light and let the cares fly away!
“You are light” — what a beautiful gift of words to add to your dance.