Dancing on Sidewalks (Poem)

I find love squished into the cracks in the sidewalk 
It’s been spit out and stepped on 
It’s in the crack so tight my fingers can’t reach in and grasp it
I skim its surface and left aching for something more 
Maybe that’s the whole point
That this love that I crave is perfect and amazing, yet tucked away 
So, as I continue down the side walk, I see strangers with sly smiles 
A hoard of men ready to make me whole
I wish they had told me that it only meant them filling a hole
They open their arms, and I find my place in their imperfect waltz
They hold me in their arms but don’t tell me about last night 
I am constantly comparing my clumsy feet to other girls 
We step on each other's toes and run into other people 
Along the way, he switches dance partners
I am left alone
I want that dance partner back. I’m sure if I just watch my feet, things will work out 
But instead, I pick up another dance partner 
This time, it’s a tango
It’s quick and upbeat 
I am rushed into everything I don’t know how to do
He moves like lightning, not caring who gets struck 
I fall to the ground after tripping one too many times 
I peer into the sidewalk crack and see the love I deny I deserve 
Another boy comes alone to pick me up
He brushes off my dresses, He does the buckle on my shoes 
He kisses my temple, I close my eyes
I finally think this is the one
When I open my eyes, he’s across the street, grinding on a girl I don’t know 
She is also stuck looking at the sidewalk cracks 
I take a deep breath 
I dodge every hand that comes flying for my waist 
I ignore the pain of walking, my feet are tired 
The faces of men blend 
I don’t know where to look 
I’m running away 
I face plant 
People step on my fingers and back 
They don’t realize I’m there 
I’m stuck staring at the love in the sidewalk 

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