Dancing the Dance of Salome

As she danced before Herod and Herodias,

Salome waved her flowing veil,

Which fluttered and whirled through the air around her

And rippled like a silken sail.

 

"Ah, your daughter dances divinely,"

Said Herod to his calculating wife.

"She dances as though she's walking on air.

I've never seen so much grace in my life."

 

After a frenzied flurry and flash,

Salome stopped and bowed to the king.

"My dear," said Herod, "what may I give you?

Half of my kingdom? Anything!

 

"Tell me what your heart is set on.

I'll give you whatever you desire."

Salome looked at her mother, who

Smiled and nodded--her eyes on fire.

 

"Your incomparable kindness compels me

To answer simply to a king so great.

I ask for one thing only and that

Is John the Baptist's head on a plate."

 

Said; done. The executioner

Soon returned carrying John's head,

Which Salome gave to her bloodthirsty mother,

Who was delighted that he was dead.

 

What about those who keep on dancing

Salome's dance? They pivot and swirl,

Contemplating how to placate

The wishes of others while they twirl?

 

Do they conspire to perpetrate

Division and discord--not unity and peace?

Have love and kindness and thoughtfulness

Given way to heartless caprice?

 

Are they moved by seductive wiles

As if compassion does not matter?

Do they seek above all things

Vengeance on a silver platter?

 

(11-18-15)