No Dance

One day in youth,
My mother said.
Don't go to the dance,
Uncle Jim is dead.

Stay at home,
And show respect.
Don't go dancing,
And your kin neglect.

Don't kick up your heels,
But think of him.
Him who has gone,
Your Uncle Jim.

But Jim meant nothing,
And I wanted to dance.
Death took away,
My chance to dance.

I stayed at home,
And it was because.
Not for Uncle Jim,
But the force of laws.


E.P. 1908 - 1989