Notes About The Poem

Skeletons Poetry Contest, Sponsor - Seth Pina. Date written: 07/29/2026

Kingdom of Skeletons


each dawn, in the kingdom of skeletons,
   bones knock together—
      shins clatter,
         ribs get a quick shine
            as the kings rise with the sun.
the velvet robes
   they've discarded moons ago.
      their old souls
         rest quietly in wooden beds.
            no itching skin, no hair to comb
or run fingers through,
   the steady clack of hollow heels
      echo with each step.
         the Duchess
            gleefully spins around
all teeth and bone, barefoot.
   they raise empty cups
      and celebrate
         breath that’s long gone,
            dining on nothing but
the glow of moonlight.
   you have to chuckle, right?
      the afterlife has its own peculiar perks;
         beauty be damned,
            no one dresses to impress
since when do dead folks care about hair?
   in this rattling land, joy endures.
      the only thing broken?
         funny bones, and truthfully,
            no one cares to doctor them.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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George Avatar
August 26, 2026 at 6:45 PM
This is so striking... ! Dear Edward, your poem has brought thoughts we hardly have as long as the skeleton inside is cloaked in a beautiful form of flesh and skin. Congratulations on your win.
Ibeh Avatar
August 27, 2026 at 8:21 AM
Thank you very much, Valsa😊🙏
Smith nee Howarth Avatar
August 26, 2026 at 3:01 AM
Congratulations for placement in this contest.👏
Ibeh Avatar
August 26, 2026 at 5:52 AM
Thank you so much, Alison😊🙏
Dietrich Avatar
August 25, 2026 at 1:18 PM
I like this a lot, Edward. It's so different and clever. Congrats on your win
Ibeh Avatar
August 26, 2026 at 5:51 AM
Thank you very much, Andrea😊🙏
Empress Avatar
August 9, 2026 at 5:06 AM
The ending made me smile dear EI, I might care even in afterlife about my hair 🥹i love the creative nature of this poem and how youv painted imagery as well as how youv delivered it, especially love “ the afterlife has its own peculiar perks; beauty be damned, no one dresses to impress” that is so very soul hitting! Just brilliant! Fave for me ~ Pleasure always reading you Sending you light always 🌙💫
Ibeh Avatar
August 9, 2026 at 10:12 AM
Thank you very much for the wonderful feedback and fave, Inky🙏 Most obliged, my friend.
Crandall Avatar
August 4, 2026 at 8:26 PM
Haha, funny, fun, and imaginative!
Ibeh Avatar
August 5, 2026 at 2:35 AM
Thanks for dropping by, David🙏 Glad you liked this one.
Smith nee Howarth Avatar
July 29, 2026 at 9:38 PM
I have always wondered where all the skeletons go. This is a very humours approach to the contest. It may even rattle a few bones - not funny bones though - they are not so funny.
Ibeh Avatar
July 30, 2026 at 2:34 AM
Thank you for visiting and commenting, Alison:-)
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