Date:         Sat, 28 Jun 1997 09:19:43 -0700
From: jttapley <jttapley@PRODIGY.NET>
Organization: Prodigy Internet
Subject:      New to list

Hello to all!
  I guess a brief intro is proper. My name is Travis Tapley, I'm 30 years
old and I write poetry and the occasional short story. Most of my poetry
will be on the topic of child loss, as my wife and I lost a child at
birth in 1990 to umbilical cord entanglement.
  I will have my first poem published in an anthology at the end of the
year. That's all I've ever wanted, so my dream will come true. I write
from my heart and know very little about form and style. I am trying to
learn. Knew I should have paid better attention in english class so long
ago!!
  I know no other way to do this, other than to jump in head first. Here
is a submission.

Travis Tapley

"Dancing In Death"
_________________________________________________

I dance in death to overtures of Bach,
In the background violins softly play,
Body and mind start slowly to decay;
Hear the tick, tick, ticking of midnights clock.
In death, in death; 'Tis such a sweet scene,
Bach fades into the midnight hour,
The ending of song in all its power.
The beauty of death; 'Tis but a dream.
How could I dream that death is so sweet?
Oh, life why don't I cry out for thee?
I never knew death had honor and pride;
'Tis a new beginning for a life complete.
The closing of mine eyes has made me see;
Play on dear Bach, let me dance by your side.

Travis Tapley
June 21, 1997