Debut at the Bagdad Cabaret

The lights dimmed down. There was a hush.
The dancer rose; her face a-flush.
Her cold flesh ached, her heart beat low;
then music, soft, began the show.
She tried to think - recall the dance
to now fulfill this moment's chance. 

The Middle Eastern Arab tunes  
of camel caravans and dunes,  
of moonlit skies, of tents and veils,  
of sheiks and swords, and fairy tales  
that filled the air with past pretense  
broke through the room with sharp intense.  

The dancer trilled a zagareet.  
Her brass sagat began her beat.  
Her head tipped back, her arms rose high -  
she drew a breath and heaved a sigh.  
Then out she stepped to claim her fame;  
her chance had come to prove her name.  

Excitement swelled among the crowd  
as out she flew, her head held proud.  
The coins which glistened with each mood  
rang with each note strung from the Oud.  
Within the pureness of her flow  
revealed a truth of ancient glow.  

The skirts she wore caressed the light.  
They swung and lifted in her flight.  
With each one beat a step she knew,  
she did with ease. And movements grew  
to rapid beats which worked the drum  
until the awed-struck crowd was numb!  

Then 'round and 'round the dancer spun;  
Around and 'round she spun and spun.  
Her skirts were full, her hair out-flung;  
her body twirled to music sung.  
Then down she dropped with flare and grace!  
The clamor ceased without a trace.  

The snake-like figure on the ground  
swayed slowly back without a sound.  
Her body writhed; her hips were first  
to undulate as she'd rehearsed.  
She glided past her audience  
with smooth finesse which left them tense.  

With graceful ease she worked her form  
back to her feet. The air was warm.  
The perspiration trickled down  
and stung her eyes, yet not a sound  
she made, but smiled and danced and shook  
and made her audience look and look!  

The lights went on; there was a roar!  
The crowd stood up and yelled for more!  
The dancer bowed and gave a glance;  
she knew she had fulfilled her chance.  

Circa 1980