A couple of years back, when I was deeply into KANE site hopping, I came across a Song-Dedication titled, "I Hope You Dance". The inspirational song is sung with much feeling by Lee Ann Womack and the writer of the song-dediction did a fine job of relating why she attributed the lyric to KANE. I clearly saw the correlation then - even more so now.

Surfing around the net today, I have seen a number of posts that express a great deal of dis-satisfaction over KANE's placement in the WWE's shows and line ups. In the midst of reading these, and feeling not a little uncomfortable, the lilting refrains of "I Hope You Dance" flit into my head and played.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
GOD forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance ~
I hope you dance....

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin',
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin',
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,
When you come close to sellin' out reconsider,
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance ~
I hope you dance....

Watching KANE work, I'm ever amazed by the sense of freshness he brings to his work - how he launches into promos, segments and scenarios that some viewers have alluded to as old and/or stale, as if it's the first time he's experienced them. The feeling of wonder that these things are happening to him, of all people, is there - almost tangibly so, as is the hunger to reach the goals he's set for himself.

Events and circumstances have moved KANE to remember never to take anything for granted - and I for one believe that this part of the reason he seems to approach everything with a refreshing gusto. Taking in stride the demise of one situation or event, KANE always seems to find another door opened to him, and - much like Alice in Wonderland - without hesitation, he steps through it. ;) What ever awaits him on the other side, KANE strives to make it work for him.

However daunting the situation - however large the bill to be paid, KANE steps to and delivers in ways only he can, often moving to the beat of a measure only he hears. There have been too many times when it would have been easier to just give in to the workings and dealings of others - to just sit back and wait for something to change or come to him. Sitting still has never seemed to be something KANE enjoys - a strong and favorable trait for him, and for us.

As intricately as any dance led either on the dance floor or in some private confine, KANE moves through the roster, in the ring with opponents and partners, and around the hearts and minds of his fans. He moves forward - at times seeming to frollick - at others with boldly commanding steps, and sometimes with the concentration of a skillfully executed quadrille. There are dips and turns, solos and lines, even movements where he has to retrace steps - more often than not, backwards. And he does this - skillfully, with an artestry and a graceful fluidity that inspires as well as delights.

The dance is his - though the tune may not be of his making, the spotlight may not be for him, the partners not always of his choosing - one in which he whole-heartedly partakes. And I watch - enjoying every minute of his waltz, ever delighted that he chooses to share it with us.