Dorothy Dances by Louis Untermeyer

Louis Untermeyer’s poem “Dorothy Dances” captures the essence of youthful exuberance and the fleeting nature of joy. The poem vividly portrays the character of Dorothy, who embodies innocence and a carefree spirit. Through rich imagery and rhythmic cadence, Untermeyer captures the dance as a metaphor for life’s ephemeral moments.

“Dorothy Dances” invites us to explore the interplay between innocence and the complexities of adult life. Reading this poem allows me to reflect on my own experiences of joy and loss. My key takeaways from “Dorothy Dances” are to appreciate the beauty of simplicity, the importance of cherishing moments of happiness, and an acknowledgment of the bittersweet transitions we all face as we age. Ultimately, “Dorothy Dances” serves as a poignant reminder to embrace life’s dance, with all its ups and downs.

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Dorothy Dances

By Louis Untermeyer

This is no child that dances. This is flame.
Here fire at last has found its natural frame.

What else is that which burns and flies
From those enkindled eyes…
What is that inner blaze
Which plays
About that lighted face?…
This thing is fire set free—
Fire possesses her, or rather she
Controls its mastery.
With every gesture, every rhythmic stride,
Beat after beat,
It follows, purring at her side,
Or licks the shadows of her flashing feet.
Around her everywhere
It coils its thread of yellow hair.
Through every vein its bright blood creeps,
And its red hands
Caress her as she stands
Or lift her boldly when she leaps.
Then, as the surge
Of radiance grows stronger
These two are two no longer
And they merge
Into a disembodied ecstasy;
Free
To express some half-forgotten hunger,
Some half-forbidden urge.

What mystery
Has been at work until it blent
One child and that fierce element?
Give it no name.
It is enough that flesh has danced with flame.

This poem is in the public domain.

Louis Untermeyer was an influential American poet, anthologist, and critic, born on October 1, 1885, in New York City. He played a significant role in the literary scene of the 20th century, known for his passionate advocacy of modern poetry and his extensive anthologies that introduced readers to contemporary poets. His anthologies, which debuted in 1919, quickly gained popularity in American educational institutions as textbooks. They played a significant role in elevating the profiles of literary figures like Amy Lowell and Robert Frost, while also challenging the perception of poetry as being overly pretentious.

Louis Untermeyer published numerous poetry collections, including “The New Era in American Poetry,” and was a prominent figure in the establishment of the Poetry Society of America. His work not only celebrated the art of poetry but also aimed to make it accessible to a broader audience, reflecting his belief in the power of poetry to inspire and connect people. Untermeyer passed away on December 18, 1977, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence poets and readers alike.

Thank you for joining me in my reading room,

Rebecca

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