The Reaper

A meditation on death

The dread of The Reaper

Grows flush with the years,

*

Until it surpasses all

Avoidable fears.

*

Would it not be ironic,

When we come to that place,

*

If he's only a doorman

With a smile on his face?

Author's Note

Death be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so.
John Donne

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

We'll all come to that knowledge eventually but as Tom Petty famously wrote, "the waiting is the hardest part". Dying is easy. Living is tough. But living is worth the effort of love. I enjoyed your write, John. Also, love John Donne and his poetry. Some of it is rather bawdy and risque reminding us that even the famous Dean of St. Paul's was only human, the same as everyone else. My favorite poem on death was one written at death's door by Emily Bronte "No Coward Soul is Mine".

[John the Baptist]

Thanks, FG. I will take a look at the Bronte poem.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I was also reminded of Jimmy Carter and a story he told about being swept over by a rogue wave when he was in the navy. The wave picked him up, covering the entire ship and he had to swim. But when the wave receded he found he was still on ship and clung to the five inch gun for safety. But Carter said after that experience he has had no fear of death. And he's still here after a century. We never know when our time is but life is for the living of it I believe. Maybe earth is an engine that helps power the universe or and life, its fuel; being constantly replenished by the rise and fall of civilizations. And perhaps there are other engines of life in other parts of the universe. I like to think so. Blessings of peace and light from chilly Carolina.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

this is a fantasic essay that turns midway. the fear of death is something very real, it is something every one of us feels whether they admit to it or not. at the same time, isnt it also true that these fears are unfounded? that death greets us with a smile, that the end of our life is not something we need to dread but welcome? this was profound, intriguing piece written in such a graceful way.

[John the Baptist]

Thanks, Ern. The great Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius said death is just a natural process and therefore not to be feared. That's good enough for me.

[Coyote Poetry]

In my lifetime. I have met the reaper. He told me. Not your time. I did like the ending. I have learn. Don't worry about death. Be concern about surviving in our new world. Thank you my friend for sharing the entertaining and amazing poetry.
Coyote

[John the Baptist]

Thanks, C. In this plane of existence, everything is naturally temporary. No sense in trying to resist that.