The Grim Reaper

The Grim Reaper

My home is asleep as I lay on the couch. A subtle light cast from the TV fills my space, suddenly; I see my breath as if standing outside on a
cold winters night.

The anxiety moves thru my body as though it has its own life.  This can’t be, I think to myself, but no matter how hard I fight this chill will not take flight. A chill seeps into my bones; this night is not at peace,
something is not right.

I must sleep, I will not, something tells me to not close my eyes, for to sleep
I would die.

My mind must be playing games with me, and then I realize alone I am not. I feel the evil within its life, knowing this is no lie.

Searching through the darkness, not wanting to see this thing that feels like Death itself.  I ask of you Death, have you made your visit
to welcome my end?

The thoughts race within my mind.  I struggle to listen, desperate  to understand, for I know not what they say.  Finally, I hear the language they speak,
telling me soon my funeral I will attend.

A shadow moves along the wall, my body shakes with fright for my
sight is clear.

The Grim Reaper, with his claws, and long sharpened sickle appear from the shadow of his long cloak.  My breath become tight, trembling as my muscles freeze; his shadow prevents my escape,
he is so very near.

My time is not for long; death has finally come
knocking at my door.

Gathering all my fears as I have done in the past. I churn them swiftly, as they set fire, my courage will show this Reaper
what’s in store.

Surrender is not an option; for my purpose in life has more strength than Death, to find redemption, make peace within my soul
for all the pain,

I gladly gave to those whose love they
gave in vain.

This battle, I will win; I leap from my couch and move as a younger man defending my life.  He has met his match, on this night
truth will prevail, not the devils soldier.

My whole being attacks, with an intensity born from the fire burning brightly inside my soul.  I grab onto the shaft of his sickle and push against his evil cloak, for tonight is not my time, come back when
my age has grown older.

The Grim Reaper screams, my ears fill with an evil and anger I have never heard before.  I push and push with the
power of my Lord,

And then, his shadows disappears.  Victory is mine for this night, and the Grim Reaper has been defeated.  Listening, I hear his sickle scratch along the floor, beyond where I can see.  He retreats into the darkness, behind his dark and evil door.

William E. Hay

(Copyright 4/28/2012)