Archaic Language or References in Poetry

Some time ago, a friend commented that a number of my poems where, in his view a little old fashioned in their use of language and references.  When I asked him for an example, he sighted my not infrequent references to “the Reaper” and “the Grim Reaper”. At that juncture I was somewhat taken off guard and did not, so far as I can recollect provide my friend with a coherent response to his comments on my poetry. However, a little while after the conversation with him took place, I happened to he...