I saw Death today
I saw death today he was in my peripheral vision smoking a cigarette and asking for directions.
I pulled over and offered him a ride to wherever he was going; he accepted and sat beside me
We discussed the news of the day and general small talk about the weather being so cold. He said it kept him busy.
He said that he did not mind his job too much, better than sitting at a desk waiting for him he said
Then it occurred to me, who does death wait for? Does he wait for his Reaper or for everyone to be dead?
Death offered me a cigarette with a wheezing laugh saying “These things will kill ya boy”
I took the cigarette and smoked it anyway one hand resting on the wheel “well you got to die of something” I laughed.
I asked Death where he was going “Nowhere really he said just wanted to remind you I was here”
Pulling over the side of the road I lent across and opened the door “This is where you get off my friend”
Death laughed again like the sound of a rusty gate “That it is boy, this is my stop right enough”
Death stood in the lay by rooting in his cowl for his cardboard sign
I drove off and left him there standing by the side of the road with a cardboard sign marked “Anywhere”
I think he is still there waiting for his next ride.
Boneman 21/02/2008
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