Neopoet.com

Neopoet.com - a global poetry community.
Like moving to the East Village, but easier on the wallet. — Register Free
Home » Dance With the Devil
 
Submitted by Rett on 25 August 2008 - 8:28am.| Updated 25 August 2008 - 12:22pm.
Style / Type: 
freeform

Dance With the Devil

When I could count but eighteen years
A young man not quite grown
I chanced one night on an old man
Who was but skin and bone

I stopped by him to offer aid
But quickly turned away
My heart was filled with terror
At the words he had to say.

“I’ve danced with the devil
in the pale moonlight
I’ve crossed the swamps
In the dark of night.
I kissed a rattlesnake
by candlelight
And I once killed a man
just for being right.
I have been to heaven
and I’ve been to hell
I’ve done some things
that a man can’t tell.
Look at me boy
don’t forget this sight
Never dance with the devil
In the pale moonlight!”

Now I’m a man of fifty plus years
Sons and daughter all grown
They’ve been good and I’ve been blessed
With grandchildren of my own

But I never danced with the devil
in the pale moonlight
I never crossed the swamps
In the dark of night
I’ve been to heaven
And I’ve been to hell
And I’ve done some things
That a man can’t tell
I love my children
And I adore my wife
But there are secrets
in every man’s life
If you want to be happy
If you want things right
Never dance with the Devil
In the pale moonlight

I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
Is the internal logic consistent?
4.4
Average: 4.4 (5 votes)
»
Submitted by Barbara Writes on 25 August 2008 - 8:54am.
Barbara Writes's picture

Truly awesome

Smiles:)
Barbara

I really like how you have written this. it is one of your greatest work.
i certainly want to avoid that dance

Submitted by Rett on 25 August 2008 - 9:46am.
Rett's picture

Thank you Barbara

I truly appreciate the kind words. Avoid that dance at all cost.
Respectfully,
Rett:
“If life is a bowl of cherries, why am I in the pits?” Erma Bombeck

Submitted by barbsdad2003 on 25 August 2008 - 9:34am.
barbsdad2003's picture

how interesting

although I’m not much of a dancer, nor do I aspire (expire?) to be. but I’ve danced with the devil … till I discovered the Christian god in him … then I realized it was just me dancing—-with myself. awkwardly, I might add.

Thanx,
Chuck

PS: oh, yeah. I’m supposed to comment on your piece: it’s quite well writ, I’m forced to say. but then my credibility’s not the best, you know, since I’m an awkward dancer … and one who dances … with himself.

Submitted by Rett on 25 August 2008 - 9:48am.
Rett's picture

Chuck

Thank you. I just have one burning question. Which one of you leads? You or yourself?
Respectfully,
Rett:
“If life is a bowl of cherries, why am I in the pits?” Erma Bombeck

Submitted by barbsdad2003 on 26 August 2008 - 9:32am.
barbsdad2003's picture

We do ...

trade places noun then.

Thanx for a skin,
Chuck

Submitted by Rett on 26 August 2008 - 4:44pm.
Rett's picture

Adjective

that is a descriptive thing.
Respectfully,
Rett:
“If life is a bowl of cherries, why am I in the pits?” Erma Bombeck

Submitted by DarkinAZ on 25 August 2008 - 12:03pm.
DarkinAZ's picture

I agree with Chuck,

I am not a dancer, and I would rather do anything other than try to do that.
I did like the poem however and I can relate.

Good Job,
Mark

Submitted by Rett on 25 August 2008 - 11:38am.
Rett's picture

*LOL* Does Chuck have a partner now?

Thanks my friend. I appreciate it.
Respectfully,
Rett:
“If life is a bowl of cherries, why am I in the pits?” Erma Bombeck

Submitted by tbeaudet on 25 August 2008 - 3:54pm.
tbeaudet's picture

I've never danced with the devil

but I have had a few drinks with him. Clever, clever write.
I can hear Charlie Daniels fiddling in the background as I read this.
TOM

Submitted by Rett on 25 August 2008 - 4:36pm.
Rett's picture

Thank you my friend

The devil went down to georgia..*LOL*
Respectfully,
Rett:
“If life is a bowl of cherries, why am I in the pits?” Erma Bombeck

Submitted by easylife_2 on 25 August 2008 - 6:43pm.
easylife_2's picture

Good write Rett

I sure can relate to this one.Thank you.

Submitted by Rett on 25 August 2008 - 7:21pm.
Rett's picture

Thanks a lot easy

I truly appreciate it. Glad you liked it.
Respectfully,
Rett:
“If life is a bowl of cherries, why am I in the pits?” Erma Bombeck

Submitted by JANICE HERZOG on 25 August 2008 - 6:50pm.
JANICE HERZOG's picture

Dance With The Devil

Dear Rett: This is different, but I really liked it. I have been to hell and back, and it isn’t pretty. Sometimes I wonder why I’m even still alive. why does God want me here on this earth, and what for? Sometimes, I think being in Heaven would be better than the life I have now. Keep writing. Much Love, Janice Herzog xoxo

Submitted by Rett on 25 August 2008 - 7:23pm.
Rett's picture

Thanks Jance

I think an awful lot of us have been there and back and nope, it isn’t pretty. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment. It is appreciated very much.
Respectfully,
Rett:
“If life is a bowl of cherries, why am I in the pits?” Erma Bombeck

Submitted by Linda Moses on 25 August 2008 - 10:32pm.
Linda Moses's picture

Devil.

this is a good one, Rett. I married the devil’s brother when I was just 18. He was rebuked years ago.

Submitted by Rett on 26 August 2008 - 10:57am.
Rett's picture

Good for you Linda

Rebuking him I mean. Thanks for the read. I appreciate it.
Respectfully,
Rett:
“If life is a bowl of cherries, why am I in the pits?” Erma Bombeck

Submitted by weirdelf on 27 August 2008 - 4:32am.
weirdelf's picture

Rett, so glad you remembered my words of wisdom,

I only meant if you dance with anyone in pale moonlight you can’t be sure who it is. Shit, all the other stuff is just what we do if we play the pinball of life. Oh, and I enjoyed the dance.
cheers,
Jess

Submitted by Rett on 27 August 2008 - 9:39am.
Rett's picture

Thanks jess

I should have realized it was you on a bad hair day. Yep, I remember those words.
Respectfully,
Rett:
“If life is a bowl of cherries, why am I in the pits?” Erma Bombeck

Submitted by barbsdad2003 on 27 August 2008 - 9:51am.
barbsdad2003's picture

If I can squeeze in ...

a penny’s worth: For those of us who’re bald (and too sensitive about it—-which I truly believe I am not), every day’s considered bad-hair day.

Thanx, Rett,
Chuck

Submitted by Rett on 27 August 2008 - 11:11am.
Rett's picture

*LOL*, I'm getting there Chuck

When it is complete I think I’ll get the first tattoo of my life. I think I will have “This End UP” tattooed on top. Just so there’s no mistakes you see. My uncle used to say, “God made only a few perfect heads, the rest he covered with hair.”
Respectfully,
Rett:
“If life is a bowl of cherries, why am I in the pits?” Erma Bombeck

Submitted by orgami on 27 August 2008 - 6:33pm.
orgami's picture

beauty of the dance

Such softness of form
such sharpness of feature
the supple lithe
movements
under that pewter shine

eyes gleaming
the dazzle
the daze

the pall of pallour
the pale of malice

(he was a good dancer too)

Submitted by Rett on 27 August 2008 - 6:46pm.
Rett's picture

*G* Thanks Orgami

I appreciate it.
Respectfully,
Rett:
“If life is a bowl of cherries, why am I in the pits?” Erma Bombeck

Submitted by Infinite_Dwarf on 28 August 2008 - 10:32pm.
Infinite_Dwarf's picture

Rett

I can’t dance, I can’t talk, only thing about me is the way that I walk… oops.. wrong topic. I’ve danced with the devil when I turned my back on God. Luckily, God cut in, and asked if he could have the dance, and I was smart enough to agree. Nicely written peace. *looks into tea leafs* I see a spotlight in your future. Ok, you can have your hot cocoa back…. LOL!

~Jess
——————————————————————————
“I hope no one asks me to show them the ropes; I have no idea where they are. Maybe I can pull some strings and find out….” - George Carlin

Submitted by weirdelf on 29 August 2008 - 2:55am.
weirdelf's picture

maybe you can't dance, or talk

But by Lucifer you can write!
cheers,
Jess

Submitted by Rett on 29 August 2008 - 12:01am.
Rett's picture

Wheet Wheeeeew

OOPs, sorry, lost myself in the wiggle there for a sec. Good for you letting Him cut in. Glad you enjoyed it. I appreciate it my friend.
Respectfully,
Rett:
“If life is a bowl of cherries, why am I in the pits?” Erma Bombeck