I move through the room with arms outstretched, 
hoping someone will take my hand and match my steps. 
I offer the rhythm in my chest, a song no one hears. 
Others beckon with bright eyes, 
but when I reach them, 
their hands tug me into spirals I don’t know, 
leaving me dizzy and breathless, 
stumbling to keep up with the beat I never chose. 
Their dance is not mine, 
and when I try to lead, 
they slip away, 
their music fading into the murmur of the crowd. 
I am left alone, 
again, 
feet shuffling to the echo of a dance no one else wants to learn, 
my hands open, 
waiting.