I went to a Mexican restaurant and there was a live band playing on the patio. No one was listening to the band. The band was playing some really good tunes. Men and women were walking past the band. Not aware of the long practice times to sound professional They were caught up in their cellphones, conversations, and agendas.
The band played a country song. I noticed someone out of the crowd reacting to the song. For this story I will call him Timothy. Timothy knew every word, rhythm and melody of his song.
His eyes lit up and sparkled. Timothy found himself walking towards the dance floor. He smiled as if he was under a rhythmic spell. People at the tables watched him dance and move to the beat. Full of excitement, daring, and wonder. Joyful! I watched and wished that I could be more like that. Enjoying the moment. No fear of what others would think.
A woman joined him on the dance floor and she became joyful. She smiled with excitement and wonder. Practicing some swing steps with Timothy. I had wondered if he would notice her. Timothy was still caught up in his own dance.
No words. No come ons. No fancy phrases. Just dancing to the rhythm of a song. A scenario where two people are listening to the music around and within them. I sat in my own little world and watched.
Even in a crowd I feel alone. People sit at tables or sit at the bar. I am not noticed. I sit alone. Good looking women and men converse and admire each other.
None of that matters to me. What matters is that I am watching someone who is like me. He is different. Timothy did not look like the others or act the same.
That did not stop Timothy from having the time of his life. His favorite song came up. He got excited and before long the young dancer became someone that was noticed and special. He had been sad, withdrawn, and defeated. Standing against a wall by himself. No life, just a soul in the crowd. Till that one song came on and Timothy started dancing.
The dance brought him back to life again. Maybe no one else noticed except me. Yet, Timothy danced around and around doing some of the best two-step I’ve ever seen. In that moment I wanted to join in the dance but did not feel confident. That didn’t stop Timothy. Next time I will be more than the spectator. I will be the dancer. A dancer, shaking my hips in the middle of the dance floor, enjoying the moment.
