(This poem is written in honor of Toni Small, the exceptional, extraordinary Zumba teacher and all of her adoring fans in Tenants Harbor, Maine) 

In the Zumba class
I choose my spot, my special place
in the front row, on the very end.

From there I can see
only the leader, as she dances
to the rhythms of Latino music.
 
I mimic her every move,
order my body to perform
in sync with hers.
 
Unlike the rest of my life,
where my mind rules,
my emotions intercede,
 
I am free to forget
my duties and obligations,
my dreams and desires.
 
All ambitions flee,
political opinions vanish,
petty grievances disappear.
 
I am one with the music,
one with the movements,
one with myself.