In the poem
The Problem of Describing Trees by Robert Hass, he is arguing that words can't describe what he's trying to describe...and that it's not always possible to clearly express thoughts through organized words. Sometimes a puzzle, like a poem, is the only substitute for it. Poetry acts as a tool to create images in the mind without actual images.
In regards to the line: "Dance with me, dancer. Oh, I will."
I think Hass is speaking to the reader. Not about legitimately dancing, but telling the reader to follow him...to try and understand what he's trying to say even though words are limiting what exactly he is trying to describe.
Thanks for your thoughtful, intelligent post Linda! Have you thought about the possibility that Hass is repeating what the trees 'said' to him? Hass makes another attempt at describing his experience with the trees. The reason I ask this is because you mention in your first paragraph Hass' argument that words can't describe what he's trying to describe. A suggestion might be to try looking at how Hass makes this argument in his poem, like what examples he uses.
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