Bones

The 1901 skeleton comes out this time of year.
Won in a card game by my great-grandfather.
Each bone sparks a memory, a feeling, or touch.
I hold the beached bones that carry so much.

They once took a turn on a stage and danced
In New Orleans for sailors I was told.
Holding them now I can see her sweet smile.
I imagined her voice singing as her body beguiled.

“For this one sweet night, you be my sailor in port.”
She whispered, “Please hold me just one night more.”
Then flesh reappeared over bones and she smiled,
“Now surely you’ll stay for awhile!”

“It’s been so long since I’ve been with a man,
Please put me on top for a ride.”
I held her ghost-warmth and felt my way in
Once again she felt hot skin to skin.