#82 ABIGAIL MORGAN’S SECOND DANCE
#82 ABIGAIL MORGAN'S SECOND DANCE
(Americana)
Abby nibbles pretzels, reading in the hallway,
Sister's big charity gala -- "Come on, please say yes!"
Abby traded in the band, crowded dance floor.
For "Pride & Prejudice" -- paperback, worn pages.
Worked the greeting line with her sister,
Had one short dance across the floor.
Friend of her sister's -- "Abby, he's single!"
Fancy dancing much less fun than a bookstore.
Other side of forty, you hold hope clenched and close,
Unlike when you were younger and carefree.
You feel that slight tug in your shoulders,
Then hope goes floating,
Hope goes floating free.
Abby smiles, turns her book's pages,
Nods in rhythm to the music from the main room.
She's being watched by Tony, head of catering,
He's in the kitchen polishing spoons.
Tony's tux has a small tear in the shoulder,
Didn't notice -- lots of people need feeding.
But all night he's been noticing Abby,
Smiled when he saw what she's reading.
Divorced, joint custody -- hope's padlocked,
Unlike when you were young and carefree.
You feel that slight tug in your shoulders,
Then hope goes floating,
Hope goes floating free.
Tony introduces himself -- warm, steady handshake,
Says "No offense, I think you're making a mistake."
Asks why she's in the back and not out on the floor,
Holds out his hand, says
"Now or never, band's last encore."
Says staff's not allowed to dance, but he doesn't care,
Smiles wide, points at the book on her chair.
Says "Don't deny me a chance to at long last be,"
"That aloof -- yet dashing -- Mr. Darcy."
Your face in the mirror -- you forget hope's even there,
But then suddenly you're where you're supposed to be.
Feel that long-lost tug in your shoulders,
Then hope goes floating,
Hope goes floating free.
Abby and Tony on the dance floor is where our song ends,
Tony smiles and dips Abby -- she laughs and bends.
He spins her -- standing tall, chin up high,
Then pulls her in, looks her straight in the eye.
Abigail Morgan just beaming to beat the band,
Held close by Tony, she takes her second dance.