Encounters With Death Poem by Heidi Fiore

Hello, Death
Why are you feared so?
Why is it that those who live,
Look so earnestly to avoid you.

You are not unkind,
But your appearance is foreboding.
Men speak of you as chills enter their spines.
But you do not take that which is not yours
Fore all are yours when the time comes.

Where do you take those who have gone with you?
I've been told it is quite lovely there; so serene
Pains and sorrows are merely earthly possessions,
And you bring all to where possessions are of no value.
If you bring us to a place of such beauty, then why are we afraid?

When one on earth travels with you, those left behind weep.
But why do we weep?
All must go on this voyage someday,
And all will be united at the journey's end.

Some plead for your coming.
They try to summon you before their bags are filled,
And sometimes you reluctantly take them.

Why can there be no middle ground?
Either people fear you or plead for you.
Why can no one simply accept you?
You carry out a very important function.
And all are dependent upon you.

In truth, you are a kind soul.
You bring our loved ones home.