"Danse Russe"

I fell behind on my blogs about the readings, so I thought I’d revisit a poem that we read earlier in the summer.  “Danse Russe” by William Carlos Williams will be an experience that I will never forget.  The first time we read the poem, I noticed many people with expressions revealing that they thought him crazy.  Silly.  As for my own reaction, I couldn’t help but feel a heavy sadness for the man. 

At first, I did not thinking that his wild antics in front of the mirror took place in his head.  I thought it was his rebellion—his room to escape the confines of society and his role in it.  When I realized that it was all taking place in his head, I became even more disheartened.  How alone must this man be?

A few weekends ago, I was talking to my father about my writing.  Suddenly, I remembered “Danse Russe,” because it reminded me of him.  As his eyes scanned the computer screen, he grew quiet. 

“Isn’t he like you?” I asked.

My dad grew uncomfortable.  “But I’m not lonely like him.  Although I could definitely see myself doing that in front of the mirror.”

Despite his attempt at humor, I could tell the poem struck a nerve.  Since then, I’ve wondered how many other fathers feel that overwhelming sense of isolation and burden, whether they admit it or not.

I have become so fond of “Danse Russe” that I decided to include it in my group’s final presentation.  When I read stories and poems, my mind forms specific images.  I chose to draw the image I saw when reading “Danse Russe.”  Translating the poem into art was an interesting experience.  I think that may be a good way to engage students with literature even further.