Death, inevitable Death. So now you come to take my world; Ah, your blackened cloak, unfurled. And peering down upon my form - Bereft of pity - eyes of storm. Death, inexorable Death. When-? the question, exquisitely for Thee. My dream retorts 'No! never for me! But now awake, I welcome you so - Relenting, repenting, with nowhere to go. Death, adamant Death. You cast your spell and guide me 'way, For life and I have had our day. What fate of me, prey? Oh! to tell! Glorious in Heaven or gnarled in Hell? Death, ineluctable Death. Oh wiry ghoul, 'tis You I follow - To leave my body, grey and shallow. Come! you bid in thundering tones, Bid farewell, thine shattered bones.