Jake's Flea Market

when last i sent you 
to the square to purchase
paper and ink

the coins i gave you tarnished
in your pouch 
during the time you stopped to watch 
and i waited for the widow girl 
to dance a bavarian
hand clap and knee slap and heel tap

then i waited for her to see you

then waited for her to dance 
with a partner invented 
by her own imagination

a step forward and a step
and then a step to the side

then a spin that spread
her skirt out like a bell

then a step 
into a circle and a step a step 

all afternoon i waited for you

and that she danced with you
that was your excuse