Midnight Shivaree

Dancing in the dark

           Midnight Shivaree

         Gravely shrouded shades awake
         when Ben puts up his hands.
         A pealing note that resonates,
         striking up the band.

         Clatter bones make revelry
         beneath an ailing moon.
         Their hellish tune reverberates
         among the empty tombs.

         Shadows reeling eerily,
         headstones marking time.
         They dance for an eternity
         in midnight’s mystic chime.

         Unquiet dead and spirits damned
         romp round the throbbing drum.
         They dance with desperation;
         twelve beats and then it’s done.

Author's note: ▶︎

This one started out as a 20 syllable contest entry:

"Clatter Bones"