by Johnny Johnson

The world revolved around them so much, that they frequently became dizzy…. They thought they were the best in town and got angry when you disagreed;
They stepped on1, 2, and you; if you ever became a potential threat…. Regardless of the accolades you gave to them, they belittled you with every breath;
They think they’re beyond e-mail, discussion forums, and threads…. Preferring to take a shot at you, when you can’t reply to what they said;
They falsely accuse your purpose and discredit you with every chance…. Simply because they’re insecure and secretly admire the way you dance;
They frowned at your accomplishments and always put you down…. Even when you gave respect and notoriety to every instructor in town;
They think their way is best and yours is always incorrect…. Forgetting about the days that they struggled, just to get the basic step;
It hurts them to give compliments, but they knock everyone with ease…. Their negativity could turn a night of dancing, into a game of hide and seek;
They are the salsa toll booths; expecting it to come through them…. Unfortunately they failed to realize, there’s a side street called aspiration;
They’re the stars that you admired, giving a thrill to your heart…. Until you deciphered their role and discovered their personality’s sub par;
And every time you ask, they will find a way to avoid you…. They act as if a salsa dance is really an undercover proposal;
But don’t look too far beyond your class, practice, and clubs….. Or maybe the judge in your competition or the dancer from tech rehearsal;
Unfortunately these salseros can cause us to question our love…. But do not allow these negative actions, to take away your salsa passion!

You can also check out Johnny’s other poem “Salsa Bliss” in the November Newsletter