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Death's Change of Heart

Death rode a Harley
In the dream I had last night;
He glared at me with dismal eyes
And exhaled a weary sigh:
"Your time is near, I've come to warn you -
Watch out 'cause I'm close by -
And when you least expect it -
You'll hear my terror cry."

I shivered from beneath my blankets
The cotton shield on my face did no good
Because I know when he wanted me

The end was understood.
"Please, Sir, don't take me -
My life is still ahead -
Maybe, if you want to,
You could take my wife instead?"

Death laughed and nodded his sullen head
I caught a glimpse of his coat, inside -
I spotted souls of the lost and captured -
Then turned my face aside.
"You are quite a comic person -
Even in your moment of demise -
I would hate to take you from this world,
You seem like such a prize."

Then Bingo! It dawned on me:
Maybe it's not the end -
If I can keep him laughing,
Perhaps more time to me he'll lend.
"Excuse me, Mr. Death, it seems
You're quite intent on taking me away -
But you see I can't go, I've planned a busy day."

He laughed some more, and even smiled,
It was unbelievable to see!
To think that Death could laugh,
And the one who caused it was me!
"Dear man, you are truly happy -
Even as I threaten your life -
So if you'll help me keep my quota -
Perhaps I could take your wife?"

My wife? I thought -
Well, she does have a tendency to nag -
It might be nice to be rid of her -
But - my god! - am I mad?
"Well, gee whiz, Sir - I don't know -
I kinda love the witch -
Maybe you could take my Mom-in-law
And make a little switch?"

He contemplated for a moment,
Then sat and scratched his head.
He thought long and he thought strong
Then finally reached the edge.
"Look, you nut, I haven't time to waste.
First you, then pup, then wife - and now some dame?
It is not an easy choice,
and if wrong I get the blame."

I wondered if I had made him mad,
I saw him red with rage.
I tried to imagine what Hell was like -
Would the keep me in a cage?
"I am sorry, Sir, forgive me,
This indecision is a fright.
But if you will trust yourself
I am sure your choice is right."

He smiled once more and looked at me
As if he changed his mind.
Could it be that thanks to me
Death had become kind?
"You know, you're right,
The choice is mine, and I've had another thought.
I'll let everyone stay and make their day
So no one is distraught."

This dream about Death's Change of Heart
Boggles in my brain.
Am I eating too many spicy foods,
Or am I just insane?

Learn more about this author, Sharon Daws.
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