It imagines the possibility that souls – essence of two people – can become literally, physically intertwined.
In honor of National Poetry Month, I will be sharing some of the poetry of The Actual Dance. These are poems, most of which I have written, are part of the story of The Actual Dance.
We will also be inviting other poets to share their work around themes of love and loss and resilience. There will also be interviews using the technology of Zoom that will allow participation.
The Actual Dance for a reader who might not be familiar is the play I wrote in 2012 and which has been performed hundreds of times since then. If you are reading this blog you are probably on the web site. I hope you will explore.
The Actual Dance is a love story – the tale of my journey as my wife, Susan, was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. The doctors became convinced she was not going to survive, and her prognosis became steadily worse. I then had to prepare for the worst. The play is the story of that preparation. Spoiler, she survived, and we are going to celebrate our 54th wedding anniversary this year.
“The Actual Dance” is also a metaphor for the universal ritual of end-of-life. It imagines a place in the middle of infinity where there is a giant ballroom and an orchestra. There is a moment when the orchestra plays the song of our hearts. During that moment Susan would evaporate out of my arms into a bright white light.
The first poem I’m sharing with you this month is called US. It is the beginning and the end of the story. It is about what love really means. It is what I have come to understand how Susan and I – and I hope others who are in love – are connected.
It imagines the possibility that souls – essence of two people – can become literally, physically intertwined. We move from two to one, not necessarily in body or mind. Rather in soul. We are each and equal half of the other. Our essence has become intertwined. Is it because we are ‘meant to be’? B’shert is the Yiddish word for “meant-to-be.” A destiny. Or, is it something we became in time through ongoing intimate engagement and commitment? Or, is it something else? You decide.
We will also be inviting other poets to share their work around themes of love and loss and resilience. There will also be interviews using the technology of Zoom that will allow participation.
The Actual Dance for a reader who might not be familiar is the play I wrote in 2012 and which has been performed hundreds of times since then. If you are reading this blog you are probably on the web site. I hope you will explore.
The Actual Dance is a love story – the tale of my journey as my wife, Susan, was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. The doctors became convinced she was not going to survive, and her prognosis became steadily worse. I then had to prepare for the worst. The play is the story of that preparation. Spoiler, she survived, and we are going to celebrate our 54th wedding anniversary this year.
“The Actual Dance” is also a metaphor for the universal ritual of end-of-life. It imagines a place in the middle of infinity where there is a giant ballroom and an orchestra. There is a moment when the orchestra plays the song of our hearts. During that moment Susan would evaporate out of my arms into a bright white light.
The first poem I’m sharing with you this month is called US. It is the beginning and the end of the story. It is about what love really means. It is what I have come to understand how Susan and I – and I hope others who are in love – are connected.
It imagines the possibility that souls – essence of two people – can become literally, physically intertwined. We move from two to one, not necessarily in body or mind. Rather in soul. We are each and equal half of the other. Our essence has become intertwined. Is it because we are ‘meant to be’? B’shert is the Yiddish word for “meant-to-be.” A destiny. Or, is it something we became in time through ongoing intimate engagement and commitment? Or, is it something else? You decide.
Donate in Honor of National Poetry Month
Sam Simon's poetry is one of the many art forms used in The Actual Dance. Support our effort in reaching the many who need to hear the message of this award-winning play.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps.
Sam Simon's poetry is one of the many art forms used in The Actual Dance. Support our effort in reaching the many who need to hear the message of this award-winning play.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps.
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