Fox-Trot (Dapper Dan)

by Harold Acton (1923) — a poem card from Justes Mots

A whimsical portrait of a melancholy dancer performing the fox-trot, whose clumsy movements are redeemed by ukulele music and the magic of dance itself. Acton's playful modernist style captures 1920s-30s popular culture with both affection and irony. Suitable for lighthearted celebration or nostalgic reflection.

DISTRESSFULLY aware, he was employed
In dangling clumsy legs into the void,
But the melancholy whistles
Of the ukulele wavered
And a tear-drop semiquavered
From the music, and the thistles
Were extracted
And his feet…

Themes: birthday · friendship · encouragement · reflection