Death

Today morn I was walking by

the bookstore from where I generally buy

latest bestsellers or day’s newspaper

Saw an ad by our Creator

on the shiny new window pane

Words that are so insane

boldly written in black and gray

“Join us!! Death is recruiting today”

Breaking news: 2 killed and 5 injured 

due to a freak fire in bookstore!!

Scared, I ran as fast as I could

towards the metal concrete wood

desktop, laptop, fax and copier

a familiar place where I felt safer

my work, my client, my boss, my team

seat of power - my office cabin

A letter on the desk in bold black and gray

said “Join us!! Death is recruiting today”

Breaking news: an unidentified man died

due to malfunctioning of the lift that he plied

I ran again, now straight to my home

where my garden was in full bloom

awashed with flowers, all in white

colour of peace, colour of light

my sofa, my rug, bone-china and bed

exclusive, embroidered, priceless bed-spread

A message on the TV in bold black and gray

announced “Join us!! Death is recruiting today” 

Breaking news: robbers shot a man

whose unexpected arrival at home thwarted  their plan

Now no place to go, no place to hide

just bidding my time, petrified

It’s time to return to the place of God

as a fugitive of death, heaven’s outlaw

Your sun, your moon, your world, your soul

I am just a fraction to your complete whole

Misguided we fight, till our last breath

lest we are recruited by the dreaded Death

This body is a means not an end

Given to rise above, to transcend.

This awakened soul now awaits your loving embrace

Take me!!  I finally surrender to Death’s kind face.

Amen.

Copyright: Shukla Banik (May 22nd. 2016)