End of the World

"The end is near," the short-wave said. "Before midnight, all will be dead." I aim to leave my baggage here. For my warted nose should I fear? April fifteen and taxes due Can I afford to be so lax As to ignore my yearly tax? Pinch me, pinch me, I hope ‘tis true. Will my love share claret and cheese Before God winnows wheat from chaff? With a glass of wine can we laugh Watching thundering grim gray seas Cast wild waves on our forlorn shore Until the devil gets his due? Or will we stand in line as two To learn sheep or goat is our score? Eternal gates are drawing near, Ajar, for us to wail or cheer. 2005