Yet Another Dance

By: MadPoet

Yet Another Dance

I walked inside the hall once more. There seemed to be something very different about it. I couldn't really put my finger on it.

The texture on the marble floor perhaps. Or the six large alabaster columns. I seem to remember them different. Was this place brighter before? The colours more vibrant? It's hard to recall now.

Then I saw it. On her throne, there sat an impostor. A hundred yards, there was, between us. But even from the distance I knew that it was not Alice.

Clad in turquoise and pink this stranger hummed a soft lullaby. And even stranger was the fact that the closer I came to her, the softer her voice grew. I couldn't really make out her face. She was looking down. I think there was something in her hand. I can't be sure.

Things were hazy in there. It's always been like that.

I walked up the steps and demanded to know who she was. After all, this is the throne of my beloved. How dare she desecrate this place with her unwelcome presence?

"Who are you woman? And how did you even get here?" I boomed!

She looked up and to my horror she had no face. Like a mannequin of some sort. The faceless woman got up and started walking. I followed her down the marble stairs.

"Do you have a name? Can you even talk?" I said.

"Would you listen if I did?" She retorted.

I heard her. But I could swear I didn't hear her with my ears. It's like she spoke from within me.

"It's me dear love." She said before I could answer. "You've never raised your voice at me before. Do you not even recognize your own heart?"

"What do you mean my own heart? If you're talking about my beloved, then surely you are not it." I was confused now.

*giggles* "You know what I mean. This is my home. I've always been here. I've waltzed with you on this floor a thousand times until you fell asleep in my arms. And not only in this life time." She said as she turned around and extended her hand towards me as if she wanted to dance.

"This place is as old as time. Take my hand and maybe you'll remember."

I reached for her hand, hesitantly. Placed the other on her waist and though I could not really remember anything, I felt a certain comfort. This was familiar, but strange nevertheless.

"Why do you have no face? I'm confused. Where is Alice? Did she let you in?" I said, my voice calmer now.

I heard music coming from above. We waltzed on the floor and for the longest moment she wouldn't answer. Then...

"But I have many faces, love. I am faceless today because you haven't given me one.

I am every girl you ever fell for. Every girl that fell for you. Every girl you've been kind to. Every girl that you've smiled at.

I am Her!

Alice might not be here but I always will and always have been.

You did not recognize me because you've always seen me as you wanted. I've taken the form of whichever girl you pined for. And I worry for you now because your heart seems empty now.

You see me in this form today because you are no longer in love with anyone. And that displeases me so.

This is so unlike you. To be fearful of love.

Won't you love again? I miss your gaze. I miss the way you search deeply into my eyes and even more.. I miss the touch of your lips upon mine.

Oh won't you give me lips again so I may kiss you?"

I didn't answer. I couldn't. I kissed her where her lips ought to be and hugged her once more and we continued our dance till it was morning.

Artwork by: Minha Jameel

Note: This writing doesn't belong to me, I post it since I find it very beautiful.