Day with the Reaper

This one is free-flowing.

I met the Grim Reaper the other day by chance

I inquired “You must be the Grim Reaper, correct?”

 

To which he replied “That would be correct.

How did you know?

 

I answered “I had one of those funny hunches.

I see you do not have a black cape or scythe”

 

He responded “I don’t do that anymore.

These days it’s about looking professional

And doing the job proper.” I noticed he was

Carrying a briefcase in his right hand,

Replacing the scythe that places fear in the minds

Of children

 

I asked “Who are you here for?”

 

He told me “I’m not here for you, so we’re clear”

 

At which I replied “That’s good to hear,

so what brings you around here today?”

 

He said to me “There is supposed to be a car crash today”

 

At which I replied “That’s a damn shame

Is it anyone I would know?”

 

He told me “No, just some loser

Who has it coming. Interestingly, this is my

Only soul today. It’s a rare occasion

To have so little work to do”

 

Sure enough a car smashes a nearby lamppost

Sending it to the street. The car flies out of control

Through the bushes and into the front door

Of the nearby Panera. Metal crunches and

Glass shatters as the Sedan makes its appearance

As if it wanted lunch and right this moment.

 

The Reaper told me “There’s where my day begins.

It was nice chatting with you” and he went on his way

To pick up his soul of the day.

Author's Note

Places where a period or comma should appear are part of the poem's style.