Dream Ball Poem by Deanna Samuels

Deep into scrubbing floors -
maids whisper of a royal ball -
a costume ball of splendor,
vivid thoughts occurred.

There was I in drab attire,
Simple woven cotton
hanging limply upon my frame.
A no-body.

A no-body in the castle
to mop and clean
to be invisible,
not to be seen.

Not in my wildest notion
could I be part of that affair
a fancy array of jewels and potions,
of riches not seen every day.

Surveying the tasks that must be done
the wonders of that coming dance
became an overpowering seduction
giving a suddenness of transformation.

No more in drabs of rags and tatters
but silk chemise embraced my skin.
Handmaids wait in draped apartment
bidding ballgown would I wish to wear?

Without hesitation my answer was clear
Red, thick satin jeweled encrusted -
fit for a Queen. Quickly,
garments laid out from which to choose.

There was one - tight fitting to the waist,
vee shaped to the floor
ribbed with pearls and rubies
a dress to be the belle of the ball.

The exultation of being dressed in such attire
coupled with red satin slippers,
bejeweled tiara and golden necklace
was overwhelming, breathless.

Me, this mere maid was regally ready,
ready to make an entrance to the ball.
A fanfare of welcoming trumpets sounded,
awaiting to be greeted, to join them all.

Music played, guests were laughing, talking
waiting patiently for that very special guest.
Moved towards ballroom door, ushers await to open,
me, a figure extraordinaire, in red bejeweled best.

Oh no - no - not just yet! Disaster - reality setting in,
the scene was fading, the gown disappearing,
am breaking into a slow awakening,
lying amid buckets, brushes and rags for cleaning.

With sheer exhaustion, had fallen asleep,
dreamt of the wondrous red satin jeweled gown
and the grand ball to be held in the castle.
A dream ball, a dream that will never be forgotten.


Written at Courtice, Ontario - 31st August 2022