Midsummer Dancing

Sun glints off a window
in the red painted house,
while the dark wooden barn
offers quiet coolness,
respite for the serious dancers,
and those who like to chat,
catching up with friends
and neighbours, thirsty
for beer or schnapps,
in preparation for singing
and more dancing
around a flowery maypole
tied with ribbons
into the long night.

Kim M. Russell, 18th June 2026

This Thursday at the dVerse Poets Pub, it is Open Link Night, when we link up one poem of our choice or write a poem inspired by a mini prompt provided by our host – this month it’s Björn, who tells us about midsummer celebrations in Sweden and shares a traditional midsummer picture by the Swedish artist Anders Zorn as a mini prompt.

38 thoughts on “Midsummer Dancing”

  6. I like the sunshiny tenor throughout this ephrastic intrepretation, this line in particular resonated with me “catching up with friends
    and neighbours, thirsty
    for beer or schnapps”

    We must live in the same neighborhood, ha!!!

    🩵

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. How I love the Maypole – I loved dancing it as a child and tear up when I see it performed these days. However, it’s not as common in New Zealand where I now am than the UK. I’ve even heard a Kiwi announcer say “and here we have ____ primary school who are going to do some pole dancing for us!”. Thanks for the imagery!

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  10. SMiLes Dear Kim How In the

    World Does Dance Begin on a Screen

    Long Ago Connecting ThiS Way in a Place

    With Stars Moon and Campfires at Night Hearts

    Spirits Souls
    in Synch of
    Free Dance

    Transcending Solo
    Becoming One With
    Each Other and All Nature Free

    Hehe Well i Suppose We Could Try
    As Avatars of Dancing Words So Here

    i go again i’ll give it a shot in the dark Why Not
    With
    SMiLes…

    Ah Yes take
    my hand reduced

    to

    Words..:)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. Beautiful poem, Kim! I love the vibrant imagery of the wooden barn and friends dancing. It sounds so much better than my current situation, sitting around waiting for the carpet cleaners to finish up! I’m definitely living vicariously through your midsummer words today.

    Liked by 1 person

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