Elizabeth Romero: So, Mr Death

The first time I met you

You took my grandmother

Then my mother flew into your arms

Is Time up there with you?

Saturn, who keeps the years,

Do you two pal around together?

Sometimes I catch a glimpse of you

Handsome and well-groomed in your cutaway,

Chestnut goatee, silver headed cane and leather gloves.

Now you visit fast and furious.

So many I’ve lost; I see them

Down a long corridor the door open

To a bright snowy day.

Friend of the rich, you inspire nifty obituaries.

But poor people know you better

They walk toward you from trailer trucks in the desert.

They rise from the rubble to meet you

In whatever country we are helping now.

My contemporaries are joining you now

Our glad youth of singing and beer long past.

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