Lin Lane Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

Robert's Dance of Death Contest * 3/25/25

 

I Will Not Dance With Death

I'm going to tell you a tale that may frighten you
about the precursor of death that will pursue...

There's iridescent beauty found on his ebony wings
but always of impending death his cawing sings.
He perches as a grim reaper on the fence, taunting
as if on my gravestone to bring fear and daunting

A dance step to his left then quickly to the right
He takes wicked pleasure, but I will feel no fright
for never will I weep and as long as I remain alive
His corvine refrain fortifies my strength to survive

Black as pitch he sits, fluttering wings on my gate
I refuse to accept him as foreshadower of my fate
I'm not destined to be the carrion that he will feast
In shadows, day and night, lingers the black beast

Jeering with an evil stare, are bright beady eyes
His dark presence I've come to loathe and despise
Blackguard! I shall curse him until my last breath
Begone raven! Today, I will not waltz with death

Now you know the tale of what keeps me awake
It's the macabre one whose thirst I refuse to slake
I am still alive and have not yet fallen from grace
So, I will not let him lead me to an unholy place

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thriveni c mysore April 2, 2025 at 8:01 PM Congratulations on your win dear poet. Cheers!!! Lin Lane April 2, 2025 at 8:10 PM Thank you very kindly, thriveni.

Robert James Liguori April 2, 2025 at 4:18 PM Bad raven! Go away bird! Nice poem… thanks for writing. Lin Lane April 2, 2025 at 8:10 PM Thank you the placement in your contest, Robert.

David Crandall March 26, 2025 at 5:20 PM Great poem - don't give in to the raven! Lin Lane March 27, 2025 at 3:50 AM Nevermore, David. Cheesy response, so I beg your pardon, but too apt not to write. Seriously, thank you.

Ink Empress March 26, 2025 at 8:07 AM Dear linnersz, this is such a dark, powerful and profound take on the song. Its like a response to the song and the fight to stay away from darkness and to not let darkness lure one to be trapped in deceptive shackles of death, in a metaphorical manner youve expressed! I love the resilient touch at the end of your poem! Its truly impressive and has that poe touch which i love with your exquisite diction and rhymes! Pleasure reading this! Best wishes! Sending you light always Lin Lane March 26, 2025 at 9:22 AM Ink, you've captured my intent of every line down to the pith and marrow as I were a bone you were trying to pick as I was trying to keep that raven at bay. We've gotten to know each other quite well, for it's evident you read me with astute perception. Thank you... truly.

Daniel Henry Rodgers March 26, 2025 at 5:59 AM Dear Lin, As always another great inked poem. This one is so hauntingly beautiful and powerful. I think you have captured the bird's ominous presence and its association with death very Poe'esc. As I read this two times I thought how the raven's iridescent wings and its taunting dance is striking. I just loved how you've portrayed your defiance against its grim symbolism, refusing to succumb to fear. Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel Lin Lane March 26, 2025 at 6:51 AM Thank you ever so kindly, Daniel. I've a serious dislike for ravens and crows, always associating them with death. I'm always in awe of your perceptive thoughts of my lines, sometimes seeing what I've left unwritten.

Duke Beaufort March 25, 2025 at 4:39 PM Lin, you've done well to indicate your desire to live for at least a while! I'm of the mind we go as long as we can and feel good about it! So, yes, shew that bird away and surround yourself with a cadre of supporters!!! Smiles!! Lin Lane March 25, 2025 at 5:10 PM Hi Duke. I'm of the mind to get a sling shot for that bird. Then, we'll see who becomes the harbinger of death. Thanks for reading me tonight. ;-)