Death Stood Before Me

In the thick chaotic swirl of my dreams
Strange netherworld that only seems
No sense of order could I find
Fragmented thoughts of a broken mind

When not by choice, desire nor will
The dreams all stopped and thoughts turned still
My scattered mind became so clear
Leaving only a forgotten, familiar fear

Death stood before me.

Ten feet tall and cloaked in gray
Like a dark wet cloud on a dismal day
I felt his gaze though he had no face
I shivered from his cold embrace

Ephemeral moments somehow last
He stood so still yet moved so fast
He looked down on my mortal frame
The one called Death yet has no name

Like a mighty king I waved my hand
"Be gone! Be gone!" was my command
My pride, my strength, O did I wield
Yet not an inch did Death he yield

Then more like beggar, humble and weak
Groveling coward I did speak
"Please! Please! One more day!"
Yet not a bit did Death I sway

I finally saw there's no escape
I could not slip from Death's broad cape
Not even time to see my past
The final moment come at last

Death stood before me.

When suddenly within my breast
A feeling full and real did crest
My heart was bursting full and proud
And feeling that I said aloud

"Thank you for this life!"
"Thank you for this life!"

To whom I spoke I do not know
But somewhere did my prayer flow
What was to come I did not see
But gentle peace did glow in me

And before Death could make his stroke
My dream did end, and I awoke
Not the slightest tinge of fear
Eyes wide open; crystal clear

No longer did I think of Death
I drew the deepest, sweetest breath
With understanding I was blessed
That each new moment is the best

No longer will I yield to strife
The precious moments of this life
There's nothing left that I can say
'Xcept Death did grant me one more day