Poetry

Dance of the Dead

Posted on by Khaya Ronkainen / 15 Comments

Nordic acceptance is long winter

All things living flee in old November
No claim to Autumn’s throne of loneliness
Whispers amongst the trees chill
Barren realm stands proud clothed in holiness
Unpaid dues peering remain still
A penultimate chapter for the dead to dance

  © 2019 Khaya Ronkainen

PS. It’s Father’s Day in Finland, today. It’s also a poignant reminder (for my family) of our last Father’s Day celebration with my father-in-law, two years ago. Though we still remember him with great sadness, we’re immensely grateful for the memories we created together. So, today whether you celebrate Father’s Day or not, I urge you to let people you love know that you do! You’ll be glad you did. ♥

In any case, the poem above though relevant was written under different circumstances. And it’s part of the collection, From the Depths of Darkness, if dark poetry is your thing.

PPS. The feature image, Sculpture Oak Soldiers, was taken from Katariina Seaside Park, Kotka.

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Khaya Ronkainen
Khaya Ronkainen is a writer, poet and creative professional. Her blog focuses on all things poetry and creative nonfiction.

15 Comments

  3. I like the solemness of this. It feels like a prayer somehow, a reverent bow of the head to what has passed.

  4. There is a sadness that haunts the spirit, but there is also hope, even in spite of death, where joy prevails. Great poem Khaya my friend. Happy Father’s Day to you and your family. Cheers my friend! 🤗🙏🏼😘

  5. A beautiful dark poem, Khaya. I love the imagery, and the photo you chose to go with it. I hope your Father’s Day was full of fond memories, my friend. <3

  8. Thank you, Rommy. These days demand a lot of prayers, in whatever individual ways we pray. As my Insta bio indicates, poetry is my faith!

  14. Dark poetry has its own beauty, gently plucking the strings in the deeper parts of the soul. I enjoyed your poem.

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