death will dance with anyone
anytime
at any fuckin’ place
it doesn’t discriminate
or differentiate,
it is not racist
sexist or homophobe
I have kissed it
death is not a woman,
I know
it reeks of fetid sorrows
gloomed motel rooms
seeking
sad numb unsuspecting souls
it comforts human hearts
with cool blue caresses,
seductive
it whispers your name,
tempting
it promises to take away your pain
I know
it crept into my unmade bed
cocky drunk
unrepentant
and wanting to collect
feasting slow—sucking life,
a demented death waltz
a twisted tango
it wants and wants
it takes
a finale with withered yellow
roses,
a sold-out show
I know
I have danced with it
held its cold bony hand
looked deep
into its dead ebony eyes
fin
the end
a black robed figure
the chess player by the sea.
Photo by Michael McAuliffe on Unsplash
Jacquie Prebich
Jacquie Prebich was raised in New York City and currently resides in Los Angeles. She started ballet at age five and danced until her first pregnancy. Jacquie loves writing, producing, and directing. She created Ballet Theatre in 2006, a new performance concept combining classical ballet with acting, singing, and live music. Jacquie began writing poetry after undergoing rehab for prescription pain pills— an addiction that developed as a result of dance injuries. Jacquie lives in a scenic canyon with her family and rescue animals. She is currently working on her first poetry book. Follow Jacquie on Twitter @JwPrebich
