A proper diet restored him to good health. My mother wrote that they had joined a dance club.“The doctor says it’s good exercise. You remember how your father loves to dance.”
Yes，I remembered. My eyes filled up with remembering.
When my father retired，we mended our way back together again； hugs and kisses were common when we visited each other. He danced with the grandchildren，but he did not ask me to dance. I knew he was waiting for an apology from me. I could never find the right words.
As my parents’50th anniversary approached，my brothers and I met to plan the party. My older brother said，“Do you remember that night you wouldn’t dance with him? Boy，was he mad ? I couldn’t believe he’d get so mad about a thing like that. I’ll bet you haven’t danced with him since.”
I did not tell him he was right.
My younger brother promised to get the band.“Make sure they can play waltzes and polkas，”I told him.
I did not tell him that all I wanted to do was dance once more with my father.
When the band began to play after dinner，my parents took the floor. They glided around the room，inviting the others to join them. The guests rose to their feet，applauding the golden couple. My father danced with his granddaughters，and then the band began to play the“Beer Barrel Polka”.
“Roll out the barrel，”I heard my father singing. Then I knew it was time. I wound my way through a few couples and tapped my daughter on the shoulder.
“Excuse me，”I said，looking directly into my father’s eyes and almost choking on my words，“but I believe this is my dance.”
My father stood rooted to the spot. Our eyes met and traveled back to that night when I was 15. In a trembling voice，I sang，“Let’s get those blues on the run.”
My father bowed and said，“Oh，yes. I’ve been waiting for you.”
Then he started to laugh，and we moved into each other’s arms.
與父親共舞
艾 倫
在父母金婚紀念慶典上，伴著古老的華爾茲旋律，我與父親在舞池中優雅地翩翩起舞。他從容地哼著輕快的樂曲，他把手放在我的腰際，引領著舞步。我們旋轉著四處滑動，笑著對其他舞者點頭致意。