Death be not my bride

Sometimes I pretend I’m Death's groom I find my father’s sperm still inside I find it nestled in my mother’s egg I find the original template I find dead things like DNA replicating Sometimes I feel dead inside I become fallen leaves in November Their double-helix uncoupling I become my bamboo chair sunbathing I even become the lifeless moon Death be patient, stay the desire Trees need leaves alive or dead Dead DNA bears many children Wait, loved ones need me alive What’s one more day of suffering? Death are you more alive than dead? Perhaps molecules have feelings Perhaps a chair waits patiently Perhaps trees mourn each fallen leaf Death, you claim the universe When Death knocks disguised May I have the strength Pour tea instead of spirits Offer snacks instead of a smoke I see through all your masks Death don’t covet me I’ll play possum with you You’ll be a cancer in my genes I don’t know how to be among the living I close my eyes and tune out I pretend I am your groom Betrothed since I was a sperm and egg The moon and leaves line the aisles The chapel of bones and nails wait And I leave you at the altar