Dancing in Limbo

a fence offends

Breaking sweats in chill October

Though the beating sunlight wanes.

Sitting dainty in the classroom,

Learning fine and useless things.

The callouses make mountains

On my hands, which once were plains,

And I wonder how those callouses

Will compliment my rings.

A bit of pinot for my sirloin!

It does such wonders for the taste.

The tempest's roaring death-knell 

Just inflates my silken sails.

My ballgowns would look better

Were they pepper-marked with paste,

And I feel I'm touching God

With dirt beneath my painted nails.

"And just what kind of man are you?"

The preacher dared to say.

I said, in jest, "A harlequin,"

And went about my day.

Reviews

[Bhuyanshi Talukdar]

Your poem is a delightful and whimsical exploration of the contradictions and complexities of life, and the joys and pleasures that can be found in even the most mundane moments. The use of metaphors, such as "callouses make mountains / on my hands, which once were plains," creates a sense of both transformation and growth, while the imagery of "dirt beneath my painted nails" adds a touch of earthiness and authenticity. Your words convey a sense of both wit and wisdom, and the final lines, "I said, in jest, 'A harlequin,' / and went about my day," are both playful and profound. Your poem is a testament to the power of language to entertain and to enlighten, and to find humor and meaning in even the most unexpected places.

[Lydia Shutter]

Hard work...the kind that gets dirt beneath your fingernails and callouses on your knuckles....is rewarding. It gives one a feeling of accomplishment. Ballgowns? Well, I don't think they will be the necessary uniform for that sort of life! I liked the last stanza. Be a harlequin and be happy. No one has the right to judge you...not even the preacher. Great write. Lydi**

[Earthrise]

i certainly am happy as a harlequin. thank you for your kindness and support, Lydi

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I am so taken by the imagery in this poem. "And I wonder how those callouses/ Will compliment my rings?--
I would say very well....and I don't think God will mind the dirty nails...
He is accepting of us, no matter who or what we are.

I am a teacher so I know that students feel they learn many useless things in the classroom.
j.

[Earthrise]

Thank you as always, J. And I certainly agree that God is capable of much more love than people give him credit for.