"I could scarcely bid you good bye even in a letter. I always made an awkward bow." - John Keats

So I read this quote two or three years ago in a British Literature class. When I read it all these images flooded my mind and overwhelmed my senses. So vividly I saw this image that has followed me these few years. One that I would like to share. If you would, close your eyes (when you finish reading of course) and let me describe to you what this means to me.

Picture an empty stage, with one spotlight shining straight down in the center. From the sides (which side it doesn't matter) you hear the lopsided thump of a walk with a cane. Into the light appears a tall, thin older gentleman, in full tails and a top hat. He stands tall, his chin up, but you can see the age in his weathered skin and smiling eyes.

He stops center stage, turning to face the audience with a click of his shiny shoes. He holds the cane under his left arm, sweeping the top hat from his white head. He doesn't give the traditional, bend at the waist bow. Instead, and much to the surprise of anyone watching, he hops into the air, right heel hitting the floor in front on him, hat arm sweeping out and back. He bows deeply, his nose nearly touching the toes of his right foot. He then stands, just as tall as before, a smiling playing on his lips. He returns his cane to the floor, and slowly limps from the stage and out of hearing range.

The stage goes black.