To My Lady Death

I am writing to you, long and beautiful friend,
To tell you that I have cancelled my stay.
Yes, I know; I miss you, and your lovely house and your wonderful friends.
I know I promised to visit, many times, showing my sharp blades and my dulling pills
My promises, my oaths to rush into your arms and leap into your lap with you,
Have turned hollow, I'm afraid.
For while I was out looking for new ways to philanthropize my being,
While busily setting up trust funds for those who have pieces of my heart,
While panhandling for more feelings to give to charity,
Your sisters, Life and Love, found me and pressed me into their service.
It's not all bad. You wouldn't have been happy with my anyway.
Nobody else was.
And I know I'll get to visit some day, but not without Their blessings.
Age or Accident may yet come for me;
You know when you will send these, your brothers.
But for now, I have unpacked my soul and gotten my ticket refunded.
I am so sorry. Not this week, I hope, or next
...unless you know something I don't.
I'll send you a postcard. I promise.
 
Mordewis Gaeafbran ap Llys
©1998, 2004 by Gerald L. "Moss" Bliss; written July 5, 1998 (one copy says July 15)

Back to Poems