I was religious then, fanatic,
worshiping the gospel of my youth
transmitted via pixels in a tube,
where I saw them, captivated
by the trance of those who sang
hymns in mystical tongues:
"dee bop a do bop, oh baby oh,
ramadama ding dong, boogity shoo..."
Twirling and swaying, their feet off the ground,
step by step obeying each beat.
The lindy hop required synchronicity.
I watched, I tried, imitation insufficient,
as my partner, a tiny feather,
slipped from my grasp, then flew
crashing the floor, as well as my moves.
Sometimes the rhythms flowed,
gradually, almost imperceptibly, weaving
tunes that integrated souls with colorless threads
attached to futures, that would blindly tie.
No exclusions existed in the twist,
the mashed potato, the watusi too.
The leader never preached or prophesied,
accepting all the different sects, knowing
there is room for any sound in nature's spirit
instigating flow. And though he grew, left
to other realms, and I changed like a boom-
(er) exploding life, he in my mind, remains
the same.
At 4 p.m. daily I watched American Bandstand. I know I'm dating myself, this is before your time, but for me it provided a gateway into American culture, music, dance etc. I practiced the dances with my younger cousin, who I'm astonished never got hurt as I unintentionally threw her around. I hated that I always had to be the "boy," and I dreamed of being like those girls on the show with boyfriends and parents who allowed them to mix. I am grateful to Dick Clark for all his musical ventures.
(Written for The Poetry Pantry at Poets United.)
very cool myrna...there is def. rhythm in your blood...i don't even have to see you dance...just read your enthusiastic write...enjoyed it much..love the music in these lines...
ReplyDeletedee bop a do bop, oh baby oh,
ReplyDeleteramadama ding dong, boogity shoo..
smiles...
my time was more the dawn of MTV back when they used to actually play music...did watch a bit of soul train as well...smiles...
Wonderful post and poem!
ReplyDeleteI too watched after school
and dreamed of being a teen-ager.
Black & White, studio in Philly - like I was.
"we're going hopping- the Philadelphia way. . ."
Warm Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
> < } } (°>
Very nice poem!
ReplyDeleteThank you Myrna!
My dear Myrna,
ReplyDeleteI myself can remember some of those days. You did a great job expression those "beats" (smile). This write is filled with so much beauty.
Preach it, sister, I was there, too! Great poem--the best tribute I've read to a generational icon.
ReplyDeleteOh, very nice.
ReplyDeleteThose were days and times...Thanks for sharing this ~
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful poem Myrna. I have had my share of learning to dance but luckily for me I was rarely the boy. LOL!
ReplyDeletehttp://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.in/2012/04/dusk.html
Nice tribute to Dick Clark! He touched so many hearts!
ReplyDeleteI have nominated your Blog for a Sunshine Award
ReplyDeletehttp://nikkysstrengthandweakness-nikky44.blogspot.com/2012/04/sunshine-award.html
What a marvelous post and tribute to Dick Clark. I too watched him hour after hour day after day. Not long ago (a few years) he did a special on New Years Eve and my girlfriend CT and Alex and I watched every moment of it.
ReplyDeleteI remember the Watusi! I even remember the song! "Waaa Waaaaah Tusi". LOL!
my older brother and sister watched american bandstand, and so i saw it as especially cool! thanks for this wonderful tribute.
ReplyDeleteOh I was watching at 4 p.m. too!! This poem and your comment under it took me right back to that small living room where I began to dream my girlish dreams. He was around forEVER!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBe bop a doo wop.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I made this hop
from the poetry pantry shop.
In this poem, the fun didn't stop.
:) :) :)