Dancing Bones

The skeletons from my closet dance,

partnered by wise circumstance;

 

Rattling inside of me,

not hidden under lock and key

 

Sometimes disreputable bones

multiply and make shameful clones,

 

While the grapevine is less likely to care

about skeletons you’re willing to share

 

They cannot cast rumor stones

at out-in-the-open bones

 

The scandals they themselves hide,

keep guilt and anguish inside

 

So I lead with a graceful stance

And allow my skeletons to dance

 

 

Author's Note

Still hashing this one out...

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

I take it as those skeletons are sad memories or even problematic rumors that people hurl at us from now and then eating our flesh and skinning it alive for that is what gossip does to destroy names and reputations. I love the whimsical aspect in it and the hidden message...Bravo

[Rita L. Sev]

You got it, Sami - our past may not be pretty, but it is a part of who we are... While I don't think it's wise to live in the past, I don't think it's good to hide from it, either. Thank you for your insights!

[Sami Khalil]

Wow. So true and well spoken...You are welcome...:)

[ShelleyA]

Hi Rita. A very unique write and presentation. A very creative way to let out the skeletons in your closet. Whimsical. I like the humor of the piece as you allow them out to participate in life's dance. Very clever. Skillfully crafted rhyming couplets. Imagery and descriptives are done well. Nice rhythm and enjambment. Rhyme is good as is the rhyme scheme. A nice mix of perfect dactylic and masculine end line rhyme that is executed very well in this piece. Good depth of feeling. Good word choice and use of repetition for emphasis about these bones. A fun read. Well penned. Write on!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Shelley. I am likely to do some more work this one...

[ShelleyA]

You're welcome, Rita. I'll look out for your revisions.

[Dr. Wood ?]

it does need a little more work miss...said the little boy as he stared up at teacher....Flinching as he half expected a good clip around the ear

[Rita L. Sev]

Yep. Reworked a lot of it, still thinking on some of the lines... Appreciate your honesty, young man! :)

[JR Darewood]

I don't agree with the message, but as a poem I LOVE the concept, dancing skeletons, out of the closet. a really clever image for some very complex ideas.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, J. Yes, a hard concept - and certainly, I do o mean to live in the past - just that it is part of us. I appreciate your insights!

[JR Darewood]

i was really thinking more that sometimes our dark secrets are, well, secret for a reason.

[Marie]

Oh my. I keep my skeletons padlocked and chained.

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! Let 'em out for some fresh air, Marie! ;)

[Einstein Noodle]

honesty is always the best policy says i. I absolutely kin to skeletons! (I have tats and t's) artfully done they say a hole (;)) lot never saying a word. I can't quite put my finger on it; but understand when you say you are "Still hashing this one out..." I have stolen the pic and am sure I will add it on my body somewhere at some point in time (do I need your permission?) what a trip! thanks for sharing!
E.

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! I found this pic on google - he seems like a carefree skeleton! Thank you for your insights on this one, E!

[Renée]

I do think if I saw all of mine come out at once..I would run! lol...delightful write Rita! I love the idea of giving them light and making them dance to take the sting of what once was away !
I don't know what you are hashing out..but I think it is a great write!
there is a song by little big town "bones" you might enjoy ( ;

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Renee - I wasn't sure this would come across the way I intended. I appreciate your reading and positive comment!

[Renée]

How could I give it anything else? It is a positive message, on a subject that you could have chosen to draw us down with..but you didn't..you allowed those old bones to dance..and allowed us to dance with them!

[Angi]

I like this piece, Rita. Most of my skeletons are pretty benign. There are a few that probably should not dance to close to any windows just yet, though. Angi~

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! Yes, mine are pretty tame, too - but they are part of me... Thanks, Angi!

[Jack...]

Ok, who left the closet door open again?????? Very cool Rita, it seems they are always there.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Jack! Yes, since they don't go away, I make 'em work for me... It's so good to see you here...

[Aarea]

Ha this reminds me of a song our music teacher used to make us sing at Halloween about all the skeletons going out to dance. Great poem, loved it!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Bob.