THE DANCE

Waning ambiance light filtered through the window
invading the peace of the cold, darkened room
It illuminated the pictures covered in dust and gloom
A grandfather clock in the corner ticked away the hours.

Slowly at first, the rain beat out a tune in the gutter
then, like a base kettle drum, beat out a forgotten score
the lightning flashed, piercing the darkness of the room
lighting the haunting bear mount that stood by the door.

Thunder rolled across the heavens causing quite a fright
The smell of the cordovan leather chair permeated the air
As darkness fell, a strange, eerie light came into sight
The floorboards under the antique Persian rug did creak.

The soft elusive sound of music started playing in the room
Two spirits from the past appeared and slowly danced and swirled
seeming totally oblivious to my mortal, wide-eyed presence
As quickly as they came, they returned to their melancholy world.

I turned on the light beside the chair got up and started to bed
as I walked thoughtfully down the familiar hall to my lonely room,
the picture of Ann Boleyn winked a knowing wink, enough said.
For some unknown reason, I had been invited to their ghostly soiree.

---RJ