ℱadeƬo ℬlack

'You cannot kill what doesn't live', said Death one listless night

'It's not my nature to forgive or even know what's right

You'll feel my cloak and taste my shade until it's all you know

I'll prod and poke with haste, and fade with you; it's time to go'

'You cannot kill what doesn't live? Death, my friend, you're wrong

I haven't been alive for years, what's taken you so long?

My spirit's gone, I just hung on until you showed your face

With just your con to bet upon, I think I'll win my space'

'You cannot kill what doesn't live' he told me once again

'I'd bare to you my scythe, but I think you'd like the pain'

'Again, you're wrong, but make your mark if that is all you keep

What's left is strong against your bark; your bite won't make me sleep'

'You cannot kill what doesn't live!' he cried, exasperated

'Your bell has chimed!' he pantomimed. 'You've been so justly fated'

'Oh Death,' I said. 'I'm in the bed you tucked me in from birth

We're born and bred to wind up dead, for that is all we're worth'

'You cannot kill...' He had to stop; he'd seen that I was right

He fixed me with a rictus grin, and made to take his flight

Before he left he asked, 'Pray tell me, why do you not fear?'

'You cannot kill what doesn't live; so you'll have to leave me here...'