About

The Book

Dancing In The Gap: Poetic Narratives has eight, inter-connected movements within the relationship dance that touch on a range of feelings. Each represents some aspect of what being in relationship is all about:

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  Youthful Discovery – Adolescent love is pure and suggestible. Even through the frustrations and questions we want to understand and be understood. What does it all really mean?

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  Searching – This dance is about looking for another who rounds us out and makes us feel wanted. Are you out there? Will I find you?

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  Questions & Doubts – We question the other; we doubt ourselves. Communication often misfires. Will this ever work? Can I trust you?

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  Connection – Ultimately, this is what we’re looking for. The gaps in our fingers allow us to hold hands. Can we build on that closeness?

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  Desire & Want – We often hunger to know and be known. We see what we want, but how do we get it? How do we win the heart of another?

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  Hurt & Anger – Sometimes you give your all and your heart gets bruised. In those times we don’t like the other very much. Did we misunderstand? Were their actions intentional? How will I recover?

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  Pleasure & Physicality – This dance usually feels good. We get to be in our bodies and hope our mind can keep up. Is this all there is? Is it enough? Can we build a lasting relationship?

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  Intimacy – This is harder to achieve than any other dance move. It occurs when we’re really in sync and the gaps are less noticeable. I’m willing to surrender. What will you do with my heart?

Christopher Earl

Dance has always fascinated me. Whether there is fluidity or clumsiness, there is always movement. Sometimes I can close my eyes and lean in to the embrace, and at others I just want to be done because it’s not working out. So goes relationship.

As a romantic, I refuse to give up on love. This book is inspired by the relationship joys and upsets I’ve experienced over a lifetime of looking for the right dance partner. In these poems I offer personal insights and intimate feelings that are narratives on that search. Enjoy this walk through my life. I hope it touches you in ways that have you look at the dances and gaps in your life.

I know that there’s more I have yet to say. So stay tuned for another volume at some point in the not-too-distant future.