Lacing up the black oxford

Capezio K 360's -

with the Tele Tone metal pieces

the exactly fit the toe and wide heel.

Checking to make sure

the screws hold the taps tightly.

We then walk through the thick black curtains ...

to our world.



We can feel the presence

of the old hoofers

when tapping the rhythms

they made famous.

Passed down for generations from

Honey Cole with his double, doubles

and Mr. Scientific Rhythm

known for his Eddie Brown B.S. Chorus ...

to us.



At the Opera Hall,

we are oblivious

to the full house.

Realizing they exist

only when the last note is plucked from the big string bass,

the last rhythm brushed off the bongos,

and the last brassy note of the trumpet dies.

encore. encore.



They have seen our movements.

They have heard the rhythms.

But they can't feel the presence

of the dead black men ...

as only we can.