He, Himself, Death

I’ve sauntered through the centuries Constructed this dark legacy, Possessed the air of leprosy And fell upon my feet. I’ve wrangled with the unprepared Pacified the truly scared, Unsuccessfully repaired The dread of when we meet. I’m there when life is waning Through the thrall of death, abstaining, Till there’s little left remaining But a husk of sand and earth, I’ve marched with every army Rode the crest of each tsunami, But they seldom ever harm me For I know perdition’s worth. I’m the tourniquet you shy from I’m that final, lasting swan song, I’m the emperor of the throng That no longer has a voice. For they’ve paid their solemn dues As their light of life’s removed, Now my wiles are set on you And you really have no choice. Now when the end’s encroaching With A wisp of me approaching, You’ll cry and whimper, hoping That I’ll spare your sulking soul, But that’s not in my nature And there is no power greater, And I’ll never return later ‘Cause it’s time to pay deaths toll.