Every Time I See a Dancer

I am completely enamored
and envious
at the same time. How
seamlessly,
endlessly,
they slither
their body. Rhythm filled
snake
comfortable
in their skin. Flexible.
Sexy. All across
the floor they
display
their wonders. I still
have yet
to discover the words
and wonders
of this body.
If theater people
euphemize me
a mover
then my
awkward trudging
is underplayed
by all people
in this world.
The soul
may be a stranger
to this world,
but the body
is a friend.
At least
I want it
to be.
Do you understand
why I can’t
be trusted
with one?

---

Maya Williams (ey/they/she) is a religious Black multiracial nonbinary suicide survivor who was selected as Portland, ME's seventh poet laureate for a July 2021 to July 2024 term. Maya received a MFA in Creative Writing with a Focus in Poetry from Randolph College in June 2022. You can follow more of eir work at mayawilliamspoet.com