Last week was a busy one.

I spent most of the week on beautiful Rottnest Island (more correctly called Wadjemup) off the coast of Perth, researching, writing but also swimming and snorkelling. There is always plenty to see under the sea, but my favourite encounter was with an Eagle ray which I spotted within moments of entering the water and followed, Gopro outstretched, but also with my heart full. What a privilege to watch this beauty dance and skate and then, just as I was about to leave it be, I watched as it dug intently, I assume looking for a tasty tidbit. If you look you should spot the fish lurking behind, apparently waiting for the scraps.

Afterwards, I wanted to write about the encounter, but nothing came. Nor did it when I first posted the edited video on Monday, but later I started thinking about the other lovely did thing I did last week – which was to attend my nephew’s wedding back in Perth.

It was a joyful occasion (as weddings should be) and, after the young couple took to the dance floor,  I found myself dancing with a young man who was a much more competent dancer than I. My initial reaction was to feel awkward that I didn’t know the steps. But I fumbled through and soon found myself laughing and having fun.  And isn’t that the point of dancing?

So here’s the poem I’ve drafted trying to capture those two moments:

A Lesson

On Tuesday

I float above a ray

as she dances

and dips.

A graceful dancer

not caring

who sees.

No need for a partner

a witness

or even a tune

played

anywhere but inside her.

On Friday

I watch dancers

at my nephew’s wedding

and

when I am drawn onto the floor

feel momentarily awkward –

I don’t know the steps

or the tune.

But as I move

I feel the joy

of being alive

and think

for a moment

of my ray.

(Sally Murphy 2024)

I think my ray will appear again in my writing, but for now, I feel glad to share her with you. And, speaking of sharing, today’s Poetry Friday roundup is hosted by Linda, who also has an important reminder about the choices we are making every day.  Among other things, I’m choosing to spread poetry, in the hopes of making the world a better place, and am off to see what my other Poetry Friday friends are sharing today.