Skelton Bones

Down in the crypt where the caskets lie
And dust stirs up when trucks go by
Giggling sounds, not moans and groans
From the tomb of Skelton Bones

When the trucks go by no more
No light peeks beneath the door
Bony feet on an ice cold floor
Skelton Bones inspects his claw

Skelton Bones was a pirate, old
Sailed the seas in search of gold
His right hand by a dragon took
Now its claw is Skelton’s hook

Once, he’d dressed in silk and cotton
Skelton’s clothes are long since rotten
All that’s left, a belt and buckle
And his hat which makes him chuckle

He’s Skelton Bones; a pirate, nude
But not intentionally rude
He says, “Ahoy!” in pirate tones
That’s the sound of Skelton Bones

But now he has a yen to be
Once more sailing ’pon the sea
Been too long; three hundred years
Skelton calls his buccaneers 

When the door creaks open wide
Ghostly pirates lurk outside
But with no seas to sail nearby
Skelton’s ship takes to the sky

Hear that Jolly Roger flap?
Or the canon hatches clap?
Keep a firm hand on your riches
Or he’ll steal them… and your britches 

And as he rides the clouds and skies
A crew, undead, that never dies
In Skelton’s wake the east wind wails
It’s in his bones and in his sails
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

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Turner Avatar
March 8, 2023 at 2:06 AM
terry, Your imagination is priceless. A fun and entertaining read. ARrrr that be true!
Fowler Avatar
March 7, 2023 at 4:43 PM
Super write Terry. Looks like your muse is back from vacay! I so glad! laf :)
Bauer Avatar
March 7, 2023 at 12:06 PM
a delightful story, terry, told in your glorious style! i very much enjoyed...
Flood Avatar
March 7, 2023 at 3:59 PM
Thanks, Ilene. Got this half written and screeched to a halt. Took a fair few wrong turns and a few U-turns but eventually came up with something I could call finished, so I’m pleased that you enjoyed. Now… let’s see if I can fix another! Terry
Pick Avatar
March 7, 2023 at 3:57 AM
That was a fun poem very enjoyable thanks. Regards Les.
Flood Avatar
March 7, 2023 at 4:00 PM
Thanks, Les. Most appreciated. Terry
Cunningham Avatar
March 7, 2023 at 12:22 AM
A swashbuckling tale Terry, you're back. Think my muse has up and left. Hope you're well. Tom
Flood Avatar
March 7, 2023 at 2:44 AM
Thanks, Tom. No offence meant, but I’m glad it’s not only me that’s ‘lost it’. I have so many poems now in an unfinished state because I can’t see where they’re going. Even this one was tinkered with for a good week or so to produce anything worth putting up. Glad you enjoyed this yarn. Terry
Sangster - K Avatar
March 6, 2023 at 3:34 PM
Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum. Your ghostly pirate story was lots of fun :-D This one goes to my faves. Cheers Anne :-)
Flood Avatar
March 6, 2023 at 3:37 PM
Thanks very much, Anne. Much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed. Terry
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