He watched them dance out on the beach,
watched them dance, just out of reach,
he stood and gazed, in a trance,
time stood still, or was enhanced,
a ghost flitted near and took his hand,
he joined the dance, for he was damned.
Thorvald Niss, “In the Morning On the Beach,” [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
This is for dVerse, Quadrille Monday. This week it’s hosted by Kim from Writing in North Norfolk. The prompt word is ghost.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
I like the mistiness in your photo and the mystery of your quadrille. Now I wonder just who the ghost is – and the “he” character. Hmmmm
Thanks, Marian. In my mind he’s a Victorian man–maybe Norwegian or English. I can see him in my mind. He’s based on character I came up with for one of Jane’s microfiction prompts.
An unexpectedly dark ending after the light, misty imagery of the opening.
I actually imagined the character I wrote about for one of your microfiction prompts. So thanks. 🙂
It’s such a strange painting, and there’s a big story behind it, but finding out what that story is, was not easy, I found.
A horror story in just 6 lines. Well done Merril.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Thanks so much, David! Hugs back to you!
A little gem of a Quadrille, Merril: ghostly and with a twist in just six lines. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you, Kim!
I am glad to read that at least a ghost was willing to dance with him.
🙂
A chilling image…but ghosts must dance I think. (K)
I don’t know, Kerfe, but these ghosts do. 🙂
may as well dance – to glance perchance upon the sea ..
Yes. I suppose so, Susan. Thank you.
I think we should not be afraid to join any dance… we need dance in our life
I love to dance. 🙂
Inspired!
Thank you!
You set up the stage wonderfully for his last dance. ❤
Thank you, Olga!
For me, there was an element of hope, Merril. Even “damned” ghosts have a potential dance partner. (Somehow this also amuses me! 🙂 )
So sorry, it was hauntingly beautiful.
Nothing to be sorry about. It is an amusing thought.
Thanks, Robin. 🙂
Good, never sure how my somewhat jaded inner thoughts impact others. Interpretation is like in art sometimes “in the eye of the reader” (instead of beholder) 😉
As it should be, Robin. 🙂
Nice use of the prompt. It takes skill to be able to write a quadrille in rhyme and meter.
Thank you very much, Victoria!
A spooky beach 🙂 I got a mixed feeling of wanting to join the dance and then second thoughts when you revealed its nature.
Thanks, Janice. I’m glad it gave you a mixed feeling. 🙂
I love your quadrille! At least that poor damned soul can still dance.
Thank you!
Beware if you ever see ghosts dancing. 🙂