It is the only reliable thing
in this world.
When armed
with the right lens,
the specter of Death
does not hide:
the opossum frozen
with the shriek of death
on its face in a tidy
pool of dried blood,
empty wrappers
littering the streets,
reminders of
everything that was taken
so that we the living
could be nourished,
the putty-colored
misshaped used condoms
employed to halt
or at least delay
the continuum of life,
even these modest
and ill-conceived ramblings
are written so that
when Death comes
to redeem my ticket
I will have
somehow
beat the game.
But any fool knows
that’s another losing
proposition.
Death will not be a surprise
and it will not take
“No” for an answer.
Until that day,
drink in the roses
dive into the orgasm
with eyes wide open
swim in the melody.
I love this poem. What do we think we are saving it for? Such an urgency to make a mark and be remembered. "Death will not take no for an answer." I always need the reminder. It's so real and surreal.
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent list type poem with many telling analogies. Death should come as no surprise.
ReplyDeleteEach day I do my thing, make my mark and each day Death marks a notch on my scorecard. So far we are even Stevens.
ReplyDeleteWe know it's a game where the only thing we can win is time... death will always trump your hand in the end...
ReplyDeleteThis is incredible. One of my favorites of yours. I really love it.
ReplyDeleteThis is so incredibly potent!💕
ReplyDeleteI hear it is your birthday. A million la la's to you old friend.
ReplyDeleteYes we all have a surprise expiry date.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you !