I saw a man talk to death today.
I didn’t know if they parted company,
or became stead fast friends.
I saw a woman from her bike
pass something to the medic,
not overtly concerned
at her rock still companion,
his chest compressed, his temple bloodied.
Perhaps her friends
shock and awe,
were distracting her from the situation.
I noticed no breath.
We do not breathe in
conversation with the grim reaper.
I didn’t stop. I just stuck out an arm
to signal possible assassins
I was indeed going to overtake
the fire truck directly in my path,
where Death had just minutes previously,
laughingly, shouldered his victim
to the road so that they could talk.
I don’t want to chat with death,
he plays unfairly.
So I pedalled on my way
hoping he didn’t want me
to join the party,
aware that my flesh and bone
are a useless shield against the road.
I hoped the prone one managed
to shut death up
and come back from the light
but by the look on his face,
I feared he was already
seduced before I even passed.
So why did I continue
to ride in paradise
where Death and his cousins
wait on every bend and straight
to strike up a conversation ?
Later as I returned by the way,
I saw the prone one wearing the shroud,
Death had woven his magic
and seduced him to the other side.
The female companion comforted
by a passing by stranger
looked at me as I rode past,
her eyes cut me to my heart.
So I hung my head in shame.
I rode on home to my son,
repeating there was nothing I could do.
Perhaps I could have imparted
a word or touch?
For I can be so in human
to another’s time of need.
Grateful back on my saddle
Freewheeling down the hill.
Escaping death behind me
For once my day is sober.
A month or so ago
I would have fixed myself up with a shot.
I give thanks to my higher power
Wondering who has cheated who
As I bid the grim reaper farewell.
5 Comments
Loved it! Definitely had me wondering which way it would turn…
We do not breathe in conversation with the grim reaper., that was very profound to me …
Thank you for sharing your talent!!!!
Thank you for your compliments
Wow. This poem has so much in it. I can feel the freedom of leaving death behind.
Thank you very much
Great Article