the cuckoo waltz

 

two men

dancing  around

each other

their movement

smooth and fluid

Instinctively

knowing

where the others

feet, hands, eyes,

words, gestures,

will land

one will lead

then the other

a steady

interchange

juxtaposition

of fool, clown,

idiot, hero

a knowing look

a fleeting glance

of shame

embarrassed

bemused and

beguiled

joyful glee

or debilitating

sadness

fleeting shadows

cast against

white sheets

in a dark

theatre

they cry,

they laugh,

they preen

they stumble

and fall

and when

the dance

is over

they leave

by the road

they came

and a chirping

cuckoo waltz

bids them

farewell