Steps of Bone

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Poets and Storytellers United
Friday Writings #239: Down to the Bone

Wordle #768


Prompt words for The Sunday Whirl in red. 
Coincidentally, Friday Writings this week has a bone prompt too!
🦴

In desolate temples

of the underworld,

spiral steps of bone weave

deep…

deep…

deeper

into the pit.

Sparks dance,

fireflies of the abyss,

reflected in the dark

current of Cocytus.

Choose.

Follow the voices.

Follow the screams.

Or, turn.

Ascend the steps of bone

while you still can.


©2026 Lisa Smith Nelson. All Rights Reserved  


Comments

  1. J Cosmo NewberyAugust 6, 2026 at 10:53 PM

    I still can but my bones protest mightily. Good use of the words.

    ReplyDelete
  2. SumandebrayAugust 6, 2026 at 11:49 PM

    I followed the descent into the depths, and now I fear this poem will linger and haunt me for some time.

    ReplyDelete
  3. vanderloostAugust 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM

    The poem reads like a ritual dance. Entrancing...hypnotic....yet a little scary

    ReplyDelete
  4. shaun/tenzenmenAugust 7, 2026 at 12:12 AM

    ...while you still can 👍

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jae RoseAugust 7, 2026 at 1:48 AM

    I love the atmosphere and the story-telling! Jae

    ReplyDelete
  6. RommyAugust 7, 2026 at 4:46 AM

    You've painted a vivid picture with those words. Nicely done!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Penelope NotesAugust 7, 2026 at 6:08 AM

    Your words have me reflecting on human and animal remains alike, not only in underworld pits but mountains of bones in the upper world.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Priscilla KingAugust 7, 2026 at 6:08 AM

    Yikes!

    I think Google may have fixed something, anyway...

    ReplyDelete
  9. purplepeninportland.comAugust 8, 2026 at 5:44 PM

    Great images in this!

    ReplyDelete
  10. HelenAugust 9, 2026 at 10:13 AM

    Here I am, following you onto the dance floor ~~~ because I still can!!! Cheers, really enjoyed your poem.

    ReplyDelete

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