Hi Abbigail,

I wrote this poem for you, to you, on 15 May 2014.

Love, Dad

Still Life

Dance, little one
on your belly
as you did for your mother 
and her labor partner
just two months ago.

Start with a slow pavane
a brief hesitation step
followed by a galliard
vigorous, yet rigid in its form.

When you have a partner
you will try lavolta
respectable but not dignified
and damned good fun.

Watching your tableau vivant
I applaud each posed dance
and hold a seat between shows
until the fourth wall is broken
you and I share a waltz
and the theatre closes.