Almost

It was an almost perfect moment
As I balanced next to you
Both of us moving
Perfectly across the ice.

The music was blaring happily
Almost too loud,
But softly enough
That I heard you
And you heard me
As we sang the same words,
And almost pushed aside
All disbelief
So promises had meaning.

I saw you look at me
Out of the corner of my eye.
I pretended not to notice because
I had to know
What is it that you’re overlooking?
Everything I lack
Flashes through my mind
For a second before
I forget completely,
And even atop the ice
I realize I am almost
Graceful for a moment.
My arms line up
With yours and
Our fingertips brush until
You hold my hand
And let go.
I glide ahead
And stumble.
I look behind
To see if you saw.
You did, and you smile.
I have become a dancer.