The Visitor

The evening sun was long since past – The fire’s warm light crept across the floor. It was among the shadows the fire cast That a darker shadow fell upon my door. I rather felt than saw the vision Of he whose presence is greatly deplored- The messenger of a grave decision Whose arrival can never be ignored. He entered in with no commotion Did this caller of ancient lore. I felt in my heart no emotion Nor did I shrink from the burden he bore. “Your arrival, Sir, is not unexpected For you all men must eventually face. It is on this meeting I have often reflected, And willfully accept your final embrace. To the wicked you are a fearful guest Who will guide them to their mournful end, But to those with faith you bring them rest And with that gift you come as a friend.” As I spoke these words to the apparition His appearance changed quite beautifully. No longer a guise of earthly sedition But an angel of heavenly harmony. My slumber then was interrupted, My dream a memory, nothing more. I awoke from sleep so disrupted By an insistent knocking upon my door.