Stay a While

A few years ago, I suffered a serious illness during which i came quite close to dying. When I was home and out of danger, I wrote the following poem:

I wasn’t expecting him, but Death

Came calling all the same, with his

Bags of agony and pain. He wanted

To take me, but it was Christmas!

“No time to die,” said I. “Let me

Stay yet a while.” He shook

His head as if to say no, but I

Stopped him. “I can’t go yet,” I

Said, I have unfinished things to

Do. Please, let me stay a while.”

He smiled. “It’s not up to me,” said

He. “Your time is up, so sorry.”

“That cannot be,” I moaned in agony.

I haven’t seen the world outside;

I haven’t crossed the ocean wide;

I need to see my Hannah smile. Oh,

Please let me stay for just a little

While. And I heard a laugh come from

Above and the one who is Love said

“Why don’t we wait and see? Today’s

My birthday after all; no one will

Mind if I decide to stall.” So, I

Thanked him graciously. Today,

Death slowly walked away without me.