The Kansas City sun. (Kansas City, Mo.) 1908-1924, 1920-10-23
REFLECTIONS OF A FORMER
DANCE DEVoTEE.
BY chas. A. Starks.

Note-The writer is possibly a par.
adoX to both his old and new friends.
His old friends are surprised that he
now takes life so solemn and serious,
while his new friends are surprised
that he has ever taken life in any 9th.
err way but serious. So both old and
new friends were surprised to see
this heavyweight person tripping a
fantastic toe, whether light or heavy,
at the Elks' Ball at convention hall
sometime ago. But why should so
ponderous a person attempt a thing
like that? The answer to this query
hangs upon a tale; a romance of an
aspiring Soul who would move up
higher.
So there,
In the lyrics of the dance once more
| drink in the sweet delight and thrill
of the old fantastic dream.
Twas years ago,
Many moons had crossed the firma-
ment from the fine orient to the fair
occident ere / had held a lovely
BROWN in these arms while looking
in black eyes aglow and ALT with the
glory of the waltz divine.
The dragging One-Step
The lively Two-Step, the stately
Three-Step, the Spanish Waltz. with
graceful swing to inspiring cas-
lillian dreams, the Seaside-Schottische,
difficult, demanding carefulness. but
oh how enhancing
thought
| had left these scenes once and for
ever, but some strange fate led me
back. Yet not back, for / shall ever
go forward! But rather say aside for
a moment, a moment to again indulge
in the wild charm and savagery of
vain, delightful Terpsichore.
Yes,
left the old scenes years ago in the
flower of my young manhood. Be-
cause, for sooth, e%nvironing elements
only brought disgust. Yes. with them,
and my ownself thoughtless. Yes l
left, when even the fire of youth was
yet strong in me; when the magic
power | could WELD too well with
either bold or shying maid.
But what days!
Passed, and to return. Exper-
fence, cool and broad and satisfactory,
has led me on and on. l still may see
up the hill of Fate, but youth
and his fervid glow-never again!
The Autumn,
Is just over yonder for me. Mayhap
when to, that balmy stage | shall
reach, Grant Heaven! that l shall
kno wits restful emmolient touch, and
that l prepared may be to drop gent
ly down the Hills other side to Old
Winters cline. All, cold, p~assionless,
unsympathizing cline!
But stop!
Not old am l, nor bent, nor bewhisk-
cred with toll or of many days. I'm
on the younger side of two-score of
years. Men would call me in the
sweeter matchless prime. Hot pulsing
youth simply hath cooled, and sober
thoughtfulness has instituted its
reign. Folly CONTROLS not, but is con
controlled and ~despised and
finally ousted from it's once invincible
tort.
But oh past youth,
First, best, yet worst of myself, time
10th soon seperate everlastingly, and
.hus each human soul doth learn the
ate of length of days!
But why,
Why lament DER such, such as this :?
Nine is forward, onward and upward.
Upward to mix with the becoming
itars-solving as l may their dreamy
mystic language. When once there
vas righteousness l will now hug the
showing sense for enthu-
iiasm; strength for charm; wisdom
or hope; caution for %boldness, and in
he last great test, SERENITY with
Ieath!
But back to the dance
)nce more upon the slippery and glid-
ng board | scrape and shuttle along.
Round and round | go, MY SOUL DID
UPON THE WINGS OF
SWEET MUSIC. and was hapDy.