I Simply Refused To Ride With Death

When I refused to ride with Death
He tied my hands and feet,
Then tossed me in with some poor guy
He'd grabbed up off the street.

Oh, what a hurry he was in!
He slammed it to the floor.
We sat in wide-eyed, abject fear,
Each clinging to a door.

While whizzing past the school, we saw
The children run and play.
We passed the fields where tractors hummed
On this, our judgment day.

We captives introduced ourselves,
Shook hands, and sadly talked.
When Death heard unfamiliar names,
He gasped, slowed down, and balked.

He made a sudden stop beside
A swelling of the ground.
He scratched his head, he murmured low,
And then he turned around.
				
" 'Tis centuries until your time!
I've made a grave mistake.
Seems I misread the pick-up sheet.
You're free, for goodness sake!"

Copyright © | Year Posted 2016



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Date: 2/25/2021 10:19:00 AM
Hello Janice! Boy was I in for a treat when your poems came to my inbox today! I like them all especially this one. Your humor is great! Look up the Wergel Flomp poetry contest. You can win $2000. Mine didn’t win last year but that doesn’t mean your won’t. I’d say take the plunge and try!
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Date: 1/7/2019 12:45:00 PM
This was a humorous treat! Enjoyed reading this poem.
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 1/7/2019 12:48:00 PM
Thanks so much, Valerie! Janice
Date: 11/9/2017 7:37:00 PM
You are a very smooth writer and a lovely read. Definitely deserving to be way up high on my list of favourite fellow poets.
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 11/9/2017 9:04:00 PM
Line, your kind words have made my night--maybe my week! Janice
Date: 3/31/2017 6:53:00 PM
So "Death stopped for you," then granted a reprieve. I love Emily, too, but you are so much more upbeat. Not to say Emily was not optimistic; she is a hero for sacrificing her career & possible romances for her mom;s health & sister's education (Lavinia?). Glad we can compete with Methusellah, and why not! PTL, Anil
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 3/31/2017 7:36:00 PM
I love this comment! Thanks, Anil! Janice
Date: 9/18/2016 7:37:00 AM
Great write and win Janice...Congrats...
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 12/17/2016 1:34:00 PM
Joseph, THANK YOU--three months after the fact! I'm sorry for overlooking this comment. Janice
Date: 9/17/2016 11:28:00 PM
A very clever and nice poem. Congrats on your win, Janice.
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 9/18/2016 12:10:00 AM
Thanks so much, Afzal. Janice
Date: 5/13/2016 1:23:00 PM
Janice, Congratulations on the win. Stop and enjoy my blog "Peace is a Fugitive." SKAT LOVE
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 5/13/2016 4:21:00 PM
Thanks so much, SKAT. Janice
Date: 5/9/2016 5:42:00 PM
A clever and superb write, Janice! Can see why this outstanding poem was nominated!
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 5/9/2016 6:47:00 PM
Thanks so much, Laura! Janice
Date: 5/9/2016 11:24:00 AM
and if you'd not started a conversation this poem would not have been written. I jest...Death Be Gone! I see why it was awarded a nomination, Janice. Good writing and humor.
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 5/9/2016 11:47:00 AM
Thanks so much, Lin. Janice
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