black poet

Standing and unmoved
I didn’t allow the stench of Death
To affect me

Standing and unmoved
I didn’t let the screams of Death
overtake me

Beside his bed
I held his hands
Hands that were unfamiliar
And prayed for Death
Who to me
Was a liar and a killer

Waiting and unmoved
I wondered if Goodness and Mercy
Had gone on and left me
Praying and unmoved
Death then whispered something to me

Death dying, Death shaking
Death speaking
Saying, “Help me!”

Holding his hand
(So unfamiliar)
I stood by Death
Who to me
Was a liar and a killer

With Death dying, Death crying
I spoke, saying
“I really should be going
I’m not supposed to be here
I turned my eyes for just one second
And now I’m lost
I really should be leaving.”

Then Death spoke
Coughing, wheezing
begging, “Please stay
And comfort me awhile
It helps me just to see your smile
Don’t worry
I can’t hurt you now my sweet
I know my fate
It’s death that waits for me.”

Now seated beside him
I didn’t allow the stench
Of Death to affect me
Sitting unmoved
I wondered if Goodness and Mercy
Would still be waiting

Squeezing his hand
(So familiar)
I encouraged Death
Who used to be a liar and a killer

“OK, I’ll stay
For a little while, anyway.”
And I stayed
Comforting Death
Unmoved by his affliction

Then for a second
I closed my eyes
And found me in a new position
On Death’s bed!
I was shaking, I was crying, dying
Moved from my foundation

I couldn’t speak
But Death spoke
Grinning, Saying
“Thank you.”
And that was all.
He then strode out the door
Hand in pocket
Down the hall.
And left me,
With hands unfamiliar
Screaming at Death
Who to me
Was a liar and a killer.