Dance

I dance when I'm happy

I dance when I'm sad

I dance to settle the stomach

when there's too much food inside

I dance to let those tears fall;

the tears I don't want to wipe

I dance to bathe myself in sunshine

My river running along on my side

I dance when there are currents of tension,

over-analysis, a little beyond redemption

I dance to cover the pain caused by

others, and some from self-infliction

I dance to feel sexy and strong

and quite darn good enough

I dance to feel beautiful

I dance in your imaginary arms

and in front of an ephemeral audience that sits

in awe of Me and my apparent Perfection.