Douglas McHargue talks about her poem with the audience inspired by the painting of Mary Charles Griffin at the March 18, 2017 Art of Poetry. The painting is part of the “Woman Made” exhibit through April 23 at Hickory Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of Roger and Ginny Sanford.
Douglas McHargue
DANCE OF YOUR DREAMS
After “Junior Prom” by Mary Charles Griffin
Your prom. In a dream
looks like this, punch bowl
at center, vodka flaming
from Jack’s flask
when chaperones blinked.
Colors swirl, flow
as you dance, midnight
blue, red satin on cream
skin shouldering tropical
flowers from rainforests
with all secrets, dripping
leaves, butterflies, spiders
the size of a man’s hands
that hold you now,
you and your white washed
mouth always whispering
to the cold war sky
afraid to tempt any gods
and now flying across this room,
great circle of dancers
nothing but color and light
far beyond a mushroom cloud.
Art of Poetry at the Hickory Museum of Art 
Always admire your poems, Doug. Happy Spring!
Thanks so much, Ann, and a Joyful Spring to you!
This is one of my favorite poems that you’ve written, Doug! Nice job!
Makes me happy to know it’s one of your favorites – Thank you!
Absolutely love this poem, Doug!!! Bravo!!
Patricia, thanks for the Bravo!