Quantum Dance by Bartholomew Barker

I'm a lump on the dance floor 
a dreary particle to be plucked 
from your blouse and discarded 
while the sway of your hips 
flows to the hem of your skirt 
your long hair like a wave 

If I could I'd toss pearls 
of light at your feet 
to re-attract your attention
from the rainbow glowsticks
as I guard your purse at our table 
envious of your sparkle

We don't tango or waltz 
but our lives complement 
the dual nature of marriage
your music — my job 
your lottery tickets — my mutual funds 
your dreams — my foundation 

One without the other would be lost 
in a dark dark universe

About the Poet:

Bartholomew Barker works with Living Poetry, a collection of poets in North Carolina. He has published a full-length collection, Wednesday Night Regular, a chapbook called Milkshakes and Chilidogs and been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. His work has recently appeared in Panoply, Free Verse Revolution, the Gyroscope Review, Naugatuck River Review, among others. www.bartbarkerpoet.com