In The Dance

A Poetic Reflection on Autumn Leaves, Childlike Joy, and the Dance of the Redeemed

Oh, the joy of the dance!

INTRO:

Here’s a little fall poem I wrote a few years back. . .let me know if you like it, and if I should include it in my future poetry collection? :)

In The Dance

There is a dance that the leaves well know, 
A dying to self and then letting go, 
Floating and flying 
While the wind winds them;
Twisting and twirling, 
With breathtaking swirling, 
Dancing abandoned across the turf, 
Spreading fluorescence in spiraling turn. 
Scooped up again, to lift and to glide; 
Landing until the breeze’s next cry.
Rolling sideways across the terrain, 
until a final resting spot contains. 

Oh, there is joy in their dance!

There is a dance only the children know, 
When brisk winds blow 
Before comes the snow; 
Arms spread wide, hair fiercely blown, 
Legs pump in vain in attempts to be flown. 
“Keep up!” taunts the winds, “'Cause I always win!”
“Watch this!” they answer as they start to spin.
Squealing and laughing, a resting spot sought,
Middle of the leaves their plopping spot 
In which they jump and throw and prance,
So much joy and fun in their dance! 

Oh, the dance of the children, 
and the dance of the leaves— 
the leaf dance of autumn
(until caught in the eaves!)
 
There is a dance only the redeemed know,
A quickening that happens when the Spirit flows; 
A leap of fresh knowing that He is near, 
A pricking of conscience because He is dear,
Everlasting songs sung through a dark night, 
Makes morning awaken with extra delight; 
A heavenly Father to call our own,
A dance for joy where seeds have been sown.

Songs of joy thus sing the redeemed, 
The song of the children, and the song of the leaves, 
Everything’s dancing in harmony, 
(Indeed, that’s where we all long to be…)

In the dance! 

*Photo by Andrew Valdivia on Unsplash

For Worship!

Count it All Joy by Remnant House