IN DEATH'S SHADOW
For years you've been stalking me.
Statistically, the odds are in your favor,
But I've avoided you.
I've made myself so ornery,
Irreverent, contemptuous,
No one will lay claim to me.
I need time to practice poetry.
I have unfinished projects.
I have clothing to repair or discard.
You'll just have to wait!
I have people in need of me,
More brittle than I,
Dependent on my care.
I have trips to take--
Places I wish to return to,
Worlds I haven't seen.
For years you've been toying with me.
Enough!
Find yourself another victim.