Oh, Death Be Gentle

Oh, death be gentle and be kind
whenever you shall come for me,
for one day you shall be assigned
to set my soul from body free.

Please do not be a reaper grim.
Oh, death, be gentle and be kind.
When light inside my eyes grows dim,
the great beyond I soon shall find.

Yes, I’ll be following behind
to where it is that you might lead.
Oh, death be gentle and be kind.
Don’t torture me or make me bleed.

Please take me swiftly without pain.
Let peace and joy then be entwined
and lift me to a higher plane.
Oh, death be gentle and be kind.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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12
George Avatar
December 3, 2023 at 11:56 PM
This is truly beautiful ! A classic like Donne's "Death, be not Proud". There is great flow and smoothness of expression. Congratulations Andrea on your well deserved top win.
Dietrich Avatar
December 4, 2023 at 9:12 AM
oh you mentioned one of my favorite poets John Donne. Thanks, Valsa
Canerdy Avatar
December 3, 2023 at 6:00 PM
Andrea, a big CONGRATS on your well-deserved win with this expressive, moving poem! Janice
Ashley Avatar
December 3, 2023 at 5:49 PM
Dear Andrea, it's such a pleasure to return to re-read this beautiful poetic plea. Congratulations for your excellent win in Joseph's contest. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan
Bowring Avatar
December 3, 2023 at 12:15 PM
Many congratulations dear Andrea for your top spot in the contest. I’m glad to have the opportunity to read one of your earlier poems. This is a wonderful, thought provoking quatern. The title is so poignant and conveys all that so many pray for. Well done!
Poet Avatar
December 3, 2023 at 9:03 AM
Andrea your poem is exquisitely crafted and eloquently conveyed. I extend my heartfelt gratitude for this remarkable piece of poetry. Congratulations to you for securing the top winning spot. This is a fave
Dietrich Avatar
December 3, 2023 at 11:58 AM
Much appreciated, Sotto.
May Avatar
December 3, 2023 at 8:13 AM
We hope at the end that peace "lifts us to a higher plane", Very nicely done Andrea, Congrats on your win
Dietrich Avatar
December 3, 2023 at 11:59 AM
Thanks so much
Ashley Avatar
March 30, 2022 at 12:55 PM
Dear Andrea, you so eloquently speak for me too with this heartfelt and beautifully poetic plea. So soothing in its repetition, rhythm and lovely rhymes. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan
Chunn Avatar
March 29, 2022 at 10:30 AM
A cry I think we all understand and wish for. Beautifully written and expressed. Thank you for this poem. I'm not sure it can be said much better than this.
Krutsinger Avatar
March 7, 2022 at 12:10 AM
I wish for this too "Please take me swiftly without pain." - I think everyone does, and it is sad how many suffer so long before their death. This is nicely done.
Kelii Kekaula Avatar
March 6, 2022 at 12:20 PM
Beautiful quatern, Andrea, repetitive sounds liken to, "Do not go gentle into that good night", my friend. My compliments truly, Aloha~William
Calasibetta Avatar
March 5, 2022 at 5:12 PM
Congratulations on your win in the contest! A heartfelt plea for a death of grace. Lovely, :)Paulette
Alex Avatar
March 5, 2022 at 9:09 AM
"do not be a reaper grim" - Great Work. Congratulations!
Watt Avatar
March 2, 2022 at 9:42 PM
This is amazing writing, Andrea. There is a classic poetry feel to it and kind of a Emily Dickenson vibe in how you personify death and speak to it in your requests. I LOVE it - Fav.
Dietrich Avatar
March 3, 2022 at 6:53 AM
thanks so much, John
Maverick Avatar
March 2, 2022 at 1:00 PM
Can anything be more brutal than life In the worst passes though? There's a thought Andrea.' Yet again we only Know so much as always, my Advice can only Be Trust in Jesus, keep faith in the Lord be Attentive to the Holy spirit.'
Legros Kelley Avatar
March 2, 2022 at 12:02 PM
Wow Andrea, <3 May God bless you with a long-long life before this plea of mercy is granted. Amazing poem, <3 ~BJ
Tor Avatar
March 1, 2022 at 5:58 PM
We all wish this ending Andrea, hope you are well.
Baker Avatar
March 1, 2022 at 3:11 PM
A reasonable request, Andrea. May you rest / die in peace. I've always wanted to pass in my sleep like my mother did. She was ready and seemed calm and peaceful as she closed her eyes for the night, not knowing it was her last night here. Great entry, IMHO. Hugs, Bill
Rodrigues Avatar
March 1, 2022 at 1:36 PM
Excellent! I find myself weaving through your every word!
Kyser Avatar
March 1, 2022 at 11:31 AM
Very nice, Andrea
DiMino Avatar
March 1, 2022 at 11:17 AM
:) Lovely write, Andrea; good chance I will meet him/her before you -- I will attempt to plead your case, smoothing the way:) Blessings my friend.
Leffanta Avatar
March 1, 2022 at 10:23 AM
So many people mourn the death of a loved one rather than give thanks that they went peacefully rather than as those who died yesterday in the Ukraine! Well done, Andrea, and good luck in the contest! Aloha!
Lillico  Avatar
March 1, 2022 at 8:15 AM
Ah, Gentle and Kind, one can't ask for better go. Beautifully expressed, skillfully rhymed and what a tender (lively)flow! Well done, girl! M.
Hankins Avatar
March 1, 2022 at 7:46 AM
Exceptional writing, per usual, Andrea. I could really relate to your quatrains on death. At my age, I suspect it is the most common of thoughts. I think I most hope I go quietly in my sleep...or perhaps on an operating table. In any case, I want the whole thing to go smoothly!
Pandit Avatar
March 1, 2022 at 4:47 AM
So well written, Andrea, as always. Wonderful voice to your poem and superb rhythm and flow.
Cunningham Avatar
March 1, 2022 at 2:29 AM
I think it's something we all wish for Andrea, peaceful and surrounded by loved ones. Tom
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