Dear Death,

A note to the Angel of Death

Dear Death,

Are you that figure standing in the distance?
Or, are you lurking just around the corner?
Well, friend, I know you are there, somewhere
I never thought of you in the days of youth and vigor
But, now, old friend, when will you come?

No, this does not mean that I am not afraid
I have many things to answer for when asked
But, there is a certain comfort in knowing you are there
That, soon enough, I will sleep forever
The pains and chains of this life, cut loose

Yes, my friend, I hope I will welcome you
Without fear or trembling but with open arms
And a clear conscience and as clean a soul
As I can muster in these waning years
But not now, not now, old friend

My work is not yet done, the job still beckons
To live a longer life so I can get it right
Before you, old friend, come knocking on my door
I know not when that knock will come
And can only hope, you wait until I finish