Dangerous Swing

Shimmer cascade fountains 
Those sparkling lights… 
Thos top quality laughs… 
As, across cool lawn, guests 
Parade in their swanky dresses. 
Here, a string quartet 
Plays a haunting, faded melody, 
Distant echo of a long-gone era; 
Of tuxedos, ball gowns, and 
Curious nocturnal machines. 
Pain is an indicator 
And over there, dangerous swing, 
Played by a big band we knew 
From those affluent, distant days 
(When roses faded only slowly, 
Like my love for you) 
Is in the air again, a weeping wound. 

A.C. Evans
Illustration Nick Victor