Tuesday, April 3

A Tango etiquette (2)


[...A tango etiquette (1)...]

The waiter wished that these two could somehow kiss and make up. There is always a handsomely good tip left for him and his mates when people leave the Italian place lovingly. On the other hand when there is a business meeting that goes bad or that the lovers have an argument he knows he would ends up with zilch, zipo, nada, zero, black penny!

He looked at that table again. The couples' charged and animated argument had now ended but the consequences were going to damage his pocket for such a quite evening.

The couple left. The waiter cursed his own luck.

They were both processing the same thoughts. Should they now continue with their intended plan; head for the milonga or simply say good night and part company?

Without saying a word they just continued walking. Before long they were at the front desk. The soulful tango music was being played and it vibrated through the walls. It could be heard outside but just loud enough to invite curiosity from the passers-by.

Inside, the place was packed. There were many who filled the rooms, the dancers and visitors both mingling around the dance floor while the crowd on the dance floor moved together busily in an organised chaos formed by the rhythms. All seats seem to have been occupied. There was not even enough room to stand comfortably in some corners.

A few friends acknowledged their arrivals, smiled at them invitingly, beckoning them to join as soon as they could make their way through the crowded main room. She did not want to be in others' company, not yet, and still angry and even unsure if this was the best thing to do; being here with him after what had gone on in the past 2 hours was enough of a dilemma for her, explaining her mood to friends was quite another.

He looked around, aimlessly and unsure what he is to do now. He looked at her without wanting to be caught doing so, she looked breathtakingly delicious.

Their hearts both missed a beat; the sound that made this happen was of "The Greek Tango" (Nefeli’s tango). That was the song they called their own. It was now scratching their souls as it began to play on.

He caught her looking at him and soon as she caught his eyes she wanted to look away, he took her into his arms and without a single word they began to dance to the song.

Many weeks ago he had found out for her what the words meant. He even whispered them sometimes as they danced the song. She knew all the words by heart but she loved his whispering voice speaking them to her every time the song was on. It seemed that the words were made for her, a gift of love, the embracing for her soul, gentle, soulful, warm, caring and all for her alone.

Tonight he was hesitant, should he or not? He embraced her as he always did with this song. It felt like the very first time and every other spell-binding time. He brought her hand and rested it on his chest, feeling closer, entering the world where they were always alone, he knew she could feel his heart beats through. He glanced at her face, her eyes were shut, and her lips hid a smile.

This time it was her who whispered The Greek Tango words

Two little angels
came and stole
the golden rag
Nefeli used to wear on her head,
so as to differ from us all in the vineyard.


Two little angels
who were dreaming of Nefeli and wanted
to feed her pomegranate and honey,
so that she could not remember, so that she would forget what she wanted,
they managed to seduce her.

Hyacinths and lilies
robbed her of her scent to wear it
while flying love gods laugh at her,
throwing their arrows towards her.

But the benevolent Zeus
takes the adolescence water away from her,
turns her into a cloud and disperses her
so that they could not find her.

The song had just finished, they were in the middle of the floor, tearful moist eyes, still embracing after the song. They kissed, laughed, changing the embrace into a loving hug all through the cortina and the next set of songs.

The crowd around them looked confused and curious, wondering what was going on between these two.


MilongaCat.
The only cat who loves you back!

4 comments:

Maria said...

Milonga Cat,

I always wondered about the Lyrics of Tango tis Nifelis... it's such a beautiful piece, which we all dance often at Milongas without knowing what it is about (except when we are greek!) :)

Thank you--wonderful lyrics.

24tango said...

Dear La Tanguera,

It makes me feel that it is a more wonderful song to listen and dance to now that the meaning of its lyrics help through the dance too.

My pleasure,
MilongaCat.

Anonymous said...

My oh my am I glad I found this blog. Beautiful. :-)

Anonymous said...

Just read your piece on "Tango Etiquette" from April. A light and heart warming piece with a gentle touch of humour which took me back to the first time I heard this beautiful track. It never fails in bringing tears to my eyes and touching my soul. Thanks for the lyrics. Thank you for writing and sharing.