Close Encounters
I first met him when I was only five years old,
And in the hospital with a serious disease;
For a minute he stood hovering over me,
But with the boy in the other bed he took his leave.
I saw him again after a car accident,
When for a moment I was in an unconscious state;
I told him I wasn’t ready to leave with him,
His visit must be a mistake.
Then I saw him roaming the hospital halls,
When recovering from my heart attack;
He said he had others to take with him,
For me he would have to come back.
I have gotten somewhat used to his freezing breath,
And the emptiness in his hollow eyes;
I am no longer frightened by his hopelessness,
And of his demeanor I am no longer surprised.
He has escorted away one brother,
My grandfathers and grandmothers, too;
He has accompanied aunts and uncles
Into the afterlife hue.
A couple of friends were taken too soon,
He really doesn’t discriminate;
I don’t ask why I’ve survived three visits,
I do not dare to tempt my fate.
But now I know I can greet him peacefully,
Without fear or awful regret;
For the black shadow of the grim reaper
Three times I have already met.
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