She'd come to my house 
and dance in the hall 
with the music up loud 
against the light on the wall 
 
I danced beside her 
feeling no shame 
we were in costume 
and this was a game 
 
She'd put on her skirt 
of layers of chiffon 
the top of the umbrella had come off 
so I put that on 
 
We'd dance together then 
an awkward ballet 
she was 20 years older than I was 
but still we did play 
 
She was 20 years older than me 
and many times my size 
but it's her little feet I remember 
and the look in her eyes 
 
Once when I saw her 
she made me a doll 
of ribbon and paper and ink 
and lace, I recall 
 
I danced beside her 
feeling no shame 
we were in costume 
and this was a game 
 
I think of her now I'm older 
I still love to dance 
something will shine through the body 
if you give it a chance