Home » Poems » Silent One » Dancing With Death

Dancing With Death

A raven sits alone, perched upon a tombstone,
humming an eerie tone, which is sombrely known.
This deadly treachery is disturbing my reverie.
A shadowy energy, ready for tragedy!
My soul tries to ignore this Grim Reaper at my door.
I've seen him before, now he's back like an eager whore.
Upon my last breath, I prepare to dance with death,
sadly I must confess, I'm beginning to lose my strength.
Should I weep with woe, if this is my 'swan song' tango.
I just need to know how to perform my ending show.
Like a fish drawn to bait, it's time to accept my fate,
heaven or hell's gate is not for me to debate.
From mourning please abstain as memories will remain,
but those who mocked with disdain, from fake cries please refrain.
Silence was my nepenthe, but now it's my enemy,
as death is an adversary without a remedy.

Silent One
18 April 2021

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Timothy Ray

Date: 4/25/2022 5:05:00 PM

strange is our collective picture of death, scythe draped in black, skeleton but i see a beautiful woman....you have presented it well for the macabre crowd...

Jan Terry

Date: 12/29/2021 4:04:00 PM

Hello, Silent One. I'm back to take a look and, as usual, enjoy what you have to share. This one reminds me of my two ravens landing on a tombstone but goes further than I dare. I have acknowledged the presence of Death in 'Outside my Window' but, unlike Poe (and perhaps yourself), he does not fascinate me. You have done a great job in giving him substance and setting the scene for a dark and certain 'ending show'. Reminds us all of our own fate. So glad you are still nearby.

Michael Tor

Date: 10/17/2021 8:23:00 AM

Exceptional my friend. Hope you are in good spirits. Love your writes as always. Your deep thought and research on many of your pieces are always a must to read.

Joe Maverick

Date: 9/29/2021 1:24:00 AM

Well expressed and rhymed Si, Just thought to look in'

Phyllis Babcock

Date: 9/12/2021 4:34:00 PM

We miss your poems S1 and hope all is well with you. love phyl

Sally Eslinger

Date: 9/10/2021 1:02:00 PM

This poem is truth powerfully squeezed into language. I think,too, the its underlying tone relates that your longing Voice has so much more to say, to bring to light. And my own address of poetry may be touched to listen. Thank you for your pen. I am your sister in God and poetry. Sincerely, sally

Sally Eslinger

Date: 9/10/2021 12:53:00 PM

Silent One, MANY bights physical pain has had me in EXACTLY this place. I,too,have seen Deathh in the room. Please see my poem”Warning Words from My Soul” Brother Poet,Silent One, so named.silence isn’t ur enemy—it’s you, it’s where God lives,where Poems wait,where music feels it’s reverberation,where hope invites xox

Elaine George

Date: 9/9/2021 4:17:00 AM

Where are you my poetic friend. Hope you are okay. Miss you and your writing. Sincerely, Elaine

Kelly Deschler

Date: 9/6/2021 3:37:00 PM

I agree with Jennifer's comment below... I also picked up on a few darker shades of Poe in this eloquent piece... Keep up the excellent writing, my friend!

Jennifer Fenn

Date: 9/2/2021 4:53:00 PM

Hello Silent One! What a dark, expressive, well written poem. Great flow to it. It reminds me of the Edgar Allen Poe story of the raven at the window. I wouldn’t be surprised if this got into the anthology. Have a blessed day, Jennifer

David Smith

Date: 8/31/2021 6:44:00 PM

As perfect as a poem can get in this imperfect world. Rightly or wrongly (only time may tel) my positive thought is maybe it is a case of passing the baton on down many generations to gain final victory. In the mean time I am enjoying swimming in the soup where sharks are rare and roses have few thorns. Take care and may your poems be read long after you are gone. David in NZ

George Schaefer

Date: 8/26/2021 3:45:00 PM

good strong imagery

Joe Dimino

Date: 8/23/2021 9:04:00 AM

When stepping from the ledge of blossom, the soul soars for greater eternity -- I think you are a winner, and this only the beginning or your many journeys. Excellent write! -- reminds me of my first fond encounter with Poetry: my mentor, Poe.

Jennifer Fenn

Date: 7/31/2021 8:08:00 PM

Wow Silent One!

Beata Agustin

Date: 7/29/2021 7:59:00 AM

Thanks for sharing this. Thanks likewise for my placement in your recently-judged contest. I'm indeed glad that you're back. God bless you.

Constance La France

Date: 7/29/2021 7:35:00 AM

Silent, deep and dark just the way I love a poem, wonderful writing ~ peace and tranquility _Constance

James Marshall Goff

Date: 7/15/2021 12:29:00 AM

There are worse things, I'm afraid, enjoyed the reference to one of my favorite stories...

Curie Stark

Date: 7/14/2021 3:16:00 AM

To many references in a single plate, How do you do that?

Pashang Salehi

Date: 7/4/2021 8:08:00 AM

We are dancing with him on a daily basis. Hope you can sing again.

Bj Legros Kelley

Date: 6/23/2021 12:56:00 AM

Silent one, it hurts us when you are so silent. Praying you are ok.

Angela Crabtree

Date: 6/7/2021 11:54:00 AM

Love your poetry, Silent One. This one very dark. A definite gem added to my favorites. Hope you're doing well :)

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 5/25/2021 11:14:00 AM

What a write/question, "Dancing with Death." Will it be like a waltz/slow. Maybe like rock "n" roll/fast. Maybe dancing without any music/silent. Once again, you did a creative write. Love It. Have a blessed day..................