I Took Your Hand

It was barely twilight when the string quartet began to play.
At the stroke of twelve, the dancers failed to pull their masks away.
Then I found you werent the same as anyone,
And the very room began to shine.
I was trembling badly, but I took your hand in mine.

Though in all my life I never once believed in second sight,
Something odd indeed, but just as real, came over me that night.
All at once my mind was filled with photographs
Of a thousand moments yet to be.
I was on the ocean,
I was drifting toward the land.
I loved you when I took your hand.

I felt you near me as the years flew by.
I hoped you understood
They could not ever dim your beauty.
Of course, it would have been insanity
To say that to a stranger,
As you were to me,
No more than a stranger.

I could dimly see the shadows crossing hands and circling round,
Only faintly hear the music, as it languidly unwound,
But I clearly saw the heart and soul of you,
And I heard each halting word you said.
As we touched, no more than its polite to do,
And your warmth went rushing to my head.

Then you asked if I would like to dance,
And I said no,
Said no.
I wanted so to dance,
But I could hardly stand
When I took your hand.