Tsifteteli (Wedding Dance)

tonight the moon dances wildly
across the water in its silver slippers

much like you danced tonight
in a sea of dancers

leaping over a gouache of broken hearts
as the sea washes away the land

as the stars glitter
at the jokes of the night sky

as the moonlight
washes over your face

half light, half shadow;

tonight the moon dances wildly
across the water in its silver slippers

wooing the bride
from the bed of her new husband

calling her out of her sleep
to dance at the edge of the water

the moon’s veil on the water
with sequins and seed pearls

enough for a thousand brides’ veils

and the moon on the water dancing wildly
in its silver slippers

as my heart dances wildly
when you dance next to me

your hand lifting mine
as if releasing a bird from its cage

my heart in your hand

as you smile and glance away from me
and the moon dances wildly in its silver slippers.

Alinda Wasner

The Starving Poet