Tango Lessons
       for J. T.

Step slow slow quick quick 
slow
through a lifetime
of swivels and turns
and graceful cortes.

Embrace your partner
sensuously 
as you wished to embrace
life itself, wrapping your arms 
around a space between 
the firm grasp of certainty 
and the loose elegance 
of letting go.
Step slow slow
quick quick 
slow toward 
the final tanda.

Death ~ the poet of love said
edging unto the dance floor ~
comes in a dream
wears a miniskirt 
and teaches the dying
to tango.