I walk down to the pew

Isle by isle

only to find myself on

Death’s row.

-

I sit without knowing

and have a conversation

with a man dressed all in

black.

-

He and I talk about the world

We talk about the mundane,

as if it's just another day.

-

I bask in the presence of another

as a numbness turns to pain.

And the man in black offers 

his embrace.

-

Sadness surrounds me and 

one by one, they make their way

to the front.

Offering roses, lily's, and tulips 

to an altar adorned in white and gold.

-

I walk up to the front, chrysanthemum

in hand and when I look down.

It's none other than my own face

that I behold.

-

No longer of this earth,

Death approaches as a friend.

At my unease, he reassures me

of a life well lived.

-

Tells me of better days

and let’s me know, it’s all okay

and not to dwell on things that

could have been.

-

Death is pleasant

Death is sweet

For only a guide is he.