Dance with me, daughter

On By Anna EastlandIn Poetry

  

“Little one arise,

get up from your corner;

unfold your sulking arms

and dance with me.

If you don’t know which way to go

stand on my feet

I will guide you.

Give me your arms

see my face

I am with you.

Listen for the music of grace

give in to the mystery of my rhythm 

I will guide you.

Don’t refuse to dance 

because you don’t know all the steps.

The music will guide you,

you will see

when you let go.”

“Father God, forgive me

for being afraid

for refusing to dance

with a light heart

and joyful feet.

I know you are leading me 

and yet I resist—

call out in fear when you dip me,

stiffen my arms when they should be supple 

for a twirl—

Let me instead be responsive to your guidance,

open to your plan,

a joyful partner

in this unexpected 

dance of life.”

  

8 thoughts on “Dance with me, daughter”

    1. Thanks, Janet! It was inspired by a poem another woman wrote about God’s providence being like a dance. I heard about it in a talk recently. I believe it is quoted in a book by Jutta Burgraf called “Made For Freedom.”

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