My Friend Johnny Dance


I would give it all to see
my friend Johnny dance:
my little cracked heart
for a twirl of his hands
and his ridiculous teeth
like empty dice: no chance.

All to see Johnny dance,
all to see the bob of his head,
the peck of his partner,
that crazy bird, ears red,
staring inside the music,
eyes fixed like the dead.


Donald Zirilli
1997