Change of Mind

Death sits on my shoulder
His smile is wry, and his eyes are tired.
He has nowhere to go, and nothing to do,
except wait.
Life hovers on my other shoulder,
worried and frail,
flitting on the wings of resignation and defeat.
Death opens his arms,
and I lay down my weary head
in the comforting darkness for a brief moment.
Life is wringing her hands,
shaking her head, distressed and hurt.
Death whispers in a hushed tone,
soothing my tumult, my eyes drooping in sleep.
Life shrieks a banshee wail,
darting hither and thither, distraught and desperate.
Death smiles as I rise,
and slowly fades away into the distance
as I gently catch Life in my hands,
and hug her to my bosom.
No backward glances, only a silent gratitude.
Death brings Life to me again.