The Cobra - Richard Fleming

The cobra can’t resist a tune
so when the Charmer blows his flute,
to make the notes rise in the air,
the cobra stirs and follows suit.

It is a most amazing sight:
the tourists clap and toss rupees
while others, far less prosperous,
remunerate with loud whoopees.

Majestically, the cobra sways
from right to left, then left to right.
Applaud it, even if you’re bored:
it’s always best to be polite.

Richard Fleming

Dance in the Blood - Diane Scantlebury

Dance is in her blood
She glows with every shine,
The sweat trickles down her back
As her feet keep perfect mambo time,
Dance is in her soul
As she pirouettes with grace,
Every move etched in the expression
Of her radiant, ecstatic face,
Dance is in her heart
As it races with a rhythm that never falters,
To each beat strong and clear
That no care in her world can alter.

Diane Scantlebury

A Tango Too Close - Diane Scantlebury

There is a small
Jealous pang inside my heart
Because I know
You have moved on
To dance with another
When you refused
To dance again with me
Denied me when you knew
I love to dance
But perhaps our tango
Went on too long
And you had to break free
Release me because
I got too close
And you were afraid
That I would hurt you
As others have done

Diane Scantlebury

But Surely You Can't Dance - Aindre Reece-Sheerin

But surely you can't dance
Firstly, don't call me shirley
dance, of course I can dance
in my mind, this broken, old body takes flight
still spinning and turning and lifting higher than ever before

physically, I can spin my chair like no-one else can
I rhumba like a goodun - tango takes a little practice
but man can I jive and two girls at once too
many times have I been stared at for just
getting up on the floor as soon as the music starts

you see, I am only restricted in my chair
by my ambitions. luckily they are varied and vast
being held back since the accident? I knew it wouldn't last

so yes, I can dance with Shirley or anyone
who will take centre spot with me

Aindre Reece-Sheerin