The Grim Reaper
If you must
come, as come you must,
Don’t come
in winter and awake
The fat cat
dozing by the fire.
And don’t
appear in fertile spring
When birds
begin to sing of love
Above new
shoots of verdant grass.
Summer’s not
the time to call
And is the
least good time of all,
When nights
are light, and loved ones
Bright with
hope, can’t cope with death.
Autumn might
just be OK,
Unless I’m
feeling fine and well
Then it
would be capricious
And
suspicious if you call
When all of
life’s still full of fun.
So, when all
is said, and all is done,
Perhaps it’s
best you do not come,
At least for
many seasons still,
Until my
will to live is spent
And I can
welcome you with song.
© James
Rainsford 2013
Note to readers: As age increases, so too, do thoughts of my own mortality.
Your views are always welcome and I'll respond to all who vist here and leave a comment. Kind regards, James.
Ditto! As age creeps up on me, I find myself thinking more about how short life it. In my novel I had a line, "It wasn't death she feared--it was not being able to live." Live on, James.
ReplyDeleteI agree, death shouldn't come until you can welcome him as a friend. That's the only way to defeat death... reminds me strangely of Harry Potter and the story of the deathly Hallows... :-)
ReplyDeleteNice.. You well created the desire to live in these words. What a creative way of reprimanding death from coming for you!
ReplyDeleteThey used to say that there were only 2 certainties in life; death and taxes. Apparently taxes are now negotiable if you have enough money, which only leaves death to be overcome. Having had a close shave with my own mortality not so long ago, I too want death to steer clear for many more seasons yet.
ReplyDeletesmiles...we would all like the grim to come in our time...if only that worked you know....even in the end if we hope for it, it still takes its sweet time....
ReplyDeleteI love this - reminds me of "If Ever I Would Leave Thee" from Camelot. My sentiments as well - to everything a season and I don't wish to go until the joy of all this wilts and my aches and pains supersede my love for it.
ReplyDeleteThe shadows of death are always lurking..we can only hope that Mr. Death will leave us be until we have had a chance to live a long full life. A great write on the dark side of life.
ReplyDeleteA delightful take on the grim reaper--and yet--the ending feels appropriate
ReplyDeleteI really like this! It's unique and quirky, a Fab combination (I think) on the outlook for this subject
ReplyDeleteWhat lightof a dark topic ~ and the vibrance for life shines through, eager for more. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteA great capture, James.
ReplyDelete