Notes About The Poem

*In memory of a good friend. Inspired by a poem from NZ poet, Sam Hunt, titled Death Called By.

Listen to poem:

Death Called at My Door

Death called at my front door
last night but no one was home.
I might’ve invited him in but before 
ask for whom the doorbell tolls
lest it was me he was looking for

Was time up on my alarm clock
or was my living end a false alarm? 
Last night I forgot to fasten the lock
but duh, he has a skeleton key
and I now call on the jabberwock 

We met once and it was grim
yet he took someone else that day.
But I was sure my chances were slim
for there hung a dead silence 
as he looked at me and I at him

Death called by again today
but I was in the karzi without a care.
Didn’t stay long the old prick but hey
when you gotta go you gotta go
and I know he’ll be back one day

Should he return tomorrow
I’ll ask “so what took you so long?
I’ve been expecting you, you know”.
For years I've seen the spectre
and have walked in your shadow

I won’t bargain with a**holes
or fear the dead or man in black.
He is Death and come for my soul
and I become my seal of fate 
for he is the destroyer of worlds

O’ who do you think you are
that life and time is yours to take.
On my shelf I keep my soul in a jar
so take it all for I am still here
and lucky to have come this far

I’m sure our paths will cross
if he wants to meet up bad enough.
I won’t beg for more time or my loss
so Reaper raise up your scythe
cos I couldn’t give a fu*kin’ toss


    Written: November 2021


Note: Jabberwock or jabberwocky
         is a reference only my mate
         would understand. RIP C.B.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Greenhough Avatar
April 26, 2025 at 3:35 PM
An outstanding read. I loved the macabre tones. I appreciated the honest reference to Sam Hunt. May you continue to escape the Grim Reaper.
Trestrail Avatar
April 26, 2025 at 6:47 PM
He knows where I live. I’ve tried changing address but he must have some sort of afterlife GPS tracker. Cheers Hilda.
Tor Avatar
April 24, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Keith awesome write. Love the Satire and rebellion on your part. Such a heartfelt piece with special meaning for your cherished friend. It is special the bond you and your friend had for you to keep a part of him in your write on a personal level. So sorry for your loss... This one is another favorite two in a role today my friend...
Trestrail Avatar
April 24, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Thanks MT. When he comes I’ll be ready.
Ashley Avatar
April 18, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Dear Keith, I enjoyed the defiant tone of your poem in the close calls yet missed interactions with Death. I also appreciated your poet's note and the mention of your good friend and reference to "jabberwocky". Your rebellious imagery.. and clever, sharp-edged smart-a** imagery like "skeleton key" and the whole "karsi" stanza.. is as dark and ruthless as Death itself. Congratulations for your success in Sara's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Trestrail Avatar
April 18, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Thanks muchly, Susan. Death hasn’t knocked in a while but does drive past occasionally. Appreciate your comments and warmest wishes to you too.
Agustin Avatar
April 16, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Congrats! Thanks for sharing your talent. Meanwhile, I greet you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed.
Trestrail Avatar
April 17, 2025 at 6:21 AM
And God bless you too, Beata.
Jama Avatar
April 16, 2025 at 6:24 AM
Congratulations on placing in my contest. I enjoyed how is your write death keeps just missing you. Yet death keeps coming because you can't escape fate. "O’ who do you think you are that life and time is yours to take. On my shelf I keep my soul in a jar so take it all for I am still here and lucky to have come this far," is definitely my favourite stanza. Especially I keep my soul in a jar. Jabberwock if I'm not overstepping was from Alice's adventurous in wonderland if i remember correctly.
Trestrail Avatar
April 16, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Yeah, that’s right. Jabberwocky is also a Monty Python film based on Lewis Carroll’s poem. It was a code word we used whenever we found ourselves in a situation where we were bored or uncomfortable or just wanted to leave. Thanks for stopping by.
Ibeh Avatar
April 16, 2025 at 3:58 AM
Keith, this poem of yours is stunning, and an instant fave. Congratulations on a well-deserved win!
Trestrail Avatar
April 16, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Thanks Ed, we can hide from the reaper, we can run from the reaper, but we can’t cheat the reaper. Cheers.
Miller Avatar
April 15, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Brilliant, just my kid of poem, congratulations
Trestrail Avatar
April 16, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Thank you, Terry. Don’t fear the reaper. When he knocks again I’ll say “I gotta have more cowbell!”
Anaya Avatar
April 15, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Congratulations on your placement, Keith. I enjoyed your humor, it shone like a light through the darkness!
Trestrail Avatar
April 16, 2025 at 1:28 AM
Appreciate it, Anaya. When Death does call by again I’ll just call on the jabberwock. Don’t ask.
Empress Avatar
April 14, 2025 at 11:50 AM
The ending with the reference of your friend and your special word quoted really made me feel sad and feel the pain of loss and grief as iv lost a bestfriend too, so that hits deep. As for your reapers requiem that is written in such a fearless manner depicts the voice of a soul that is ready for what may come especially with lines such as "On my shelf I keep my soul in a jar so take it all for I am still here" soul hitting and some wordplay here leaves a hint of humor too, made me wonder, what would it be like when death knocks on the door! A powerful and soulfully moving poem. Congratulations on your placement in saras contest. Pleasure reading
Trestrail Avatar
April 14, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Hello there, Inky. So nice to see a real comment and not a cut and paste platitude for once. Nice to meet you. God bless.
Maverick Avatar
April 14, 2025 at 4:42 AM
Well I'll advise on my meeting, in which I contracted shock..And never managed a Greeting' how or what is seen will deoend On how we've been? Or what is projected To me thats how it seems.? I could be wrong Only a limited man, yet if you go vist my next To last poem, you might get a jist.? Or should That be a ghost of how things might pan.? All Blessings Keith.)
Trestrail Avatar
April 14, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Thanks Joe.
Parker Avatar
April 9, 2025 at 6:33 PM
What if the Reaper really looks like Brad Pitt or Tom Brady?
Trestrail Avatar
April 9, 2025 at 7:34 PM
That wouldn’t scare me but my Reaper looks like Jack Palance.
Read Avatar
April 9, 2025 at 11:21 AM
After reading this I've removed my welcome mat from my front door.
Trestrail Avatar
April 10, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Good luck with that. Cheers.
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