It was very late, had been a slow night

I decided to close, lock it up tight

When in walked a stranger in dark cape and hood

Well someone's thirsty, any business is good

The stranger was tall, quite thin and pale

In a strangely dry voice he said, "Ale!"

Glad for the business I passed his first round

He snatched it up quickly and tossed it right down

I tried to make small talk, he chose to ignore

Would just push me his glass and simply say, "More!"

This went on for 2 hours, he was like a dry well

But I noticed the drinks were beginning to tell

"My job is really getting to me,

I'm in population control you see

Grim Reaper, Death, what's in a name?

A rose is a rose all the same

You see, he too was one of mine

In those days they would plead and whine

I don't understand this modern age

Suicide, murder it's all the rage

There is no longer a challenge, they no longer plea

I don't go searching for them, they come searching for me

They no longer try to cling on to life

They want only escape from a world of strife

I did my best work when I was alone

now there is AIDS, Kavorkian, a no-fly zone

They kill themselves with weapons or drugs

They used to have families, kisses and hugs

They used to beg me for more time

Now they can't wait to stand in line

I used to take such pride in my work

Now I don't like it, my duties I shirk

I needed this break, I really did

from a world that embraces a coffin lid"

As he rose to leave, I had nothing to say

He reached in his robe, ready to pay

I said, "This night's on me my friend

and I hope when time for my end

You will remember the night we shared

and not make me suffer frightened and scared"

He raised his head, looked right at me then

With soulless eyes and a fleshless grin

"A date I can't give you, the rules won't allow

But you've been a friend, the time to prepare is now

It's time to assess all that you hold dear

I'll be back on business in less than a year"

He left me alone then, though I cannot say

if he left through the door or faded away

I have since thought many times of that night

Was it real or a trick of the light

I've made sure to enjoy my family and friends

I have prepared for when my life ends

I know when he comes now, the one thin and pale

That before he takes me we'll share one more ale

By Deranger

Diligence

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