Deathwatch

Oh, I have brushed too oft with Death
and he is courting me
I know the paths that he will take
his handiwork I see

I know his sign, his ways and tells
the strength of his soft grasp
I know the ease he promises
I know the sleep that lasts

I've seen him take both near and dear
and strangers in my path
with soft embrace of endless sleep
or thunderbolts of wrath

He hovers o'er deep water
and by the narrow ledge
enticing souls to take the plunge
and step over the edge

He dances midst the traffic
and drifts by hospice beds
and I see his chosen marked by hoods
of darkness o'er their heads

He's held me in his arms before
and I've felt his chill breath
then fought my way back from the light
leaving him alone, bereft

And now he wanders through my life
and whispers in my ear
he runs his fingers thru the hair
of those that I hold dear

...

I know this isn't finished
the end is not in sight
though his hold is not diminished
nor is my will to fight

c. 7/24/2008, B. Riley