Death and I
We met in May
A spring fling
Became summer romance
Then autumn glory
To winter wonderland
Death followed me
Everywhere
Inspiring me
To savor
Every moment
Showing me
The beauty
Of everything
Empowering me
To find joy
Everywhere
I saw more colors
Heard birds sing
Smelled sweet roses
Tasted tequila’s bite
Felt deep love
I let go
I was free
To be
All of me
But Death scared me
All of me
At his mercy
Would he take me
Against my will
To a place
Without sun and stars
Mountains and rivers
Where I would no longer
Feel the joy in my heart
Nor the sorrow in my soul
Would my earthly life
Come to an end
Would I have to say goodbye
Leave everyone behind
Death stayed by my side
For years
Offering gifts
Disguised as diagnoses
Nudging me
To listen
Opening me
To love
Encouraging me
To surrender
Teaching me
Paradoxical truths
Peace…and uncertainty
Presence…and impermanence
Life…and loss
Joy…and sorrow
Courage…and fear
Love…and detachment
We gradually grew apart
Death moved on
Replaced by new life
But I carry the spirit
Reminding me
To see
To listen
Taste and smell
Touch and feel
To love
To be
Here
Right now
We are friends
Death and I
I will never forget you
*Originally published in Know Thyself, Heal Thyself on Medium Death and I. A poem — a love story | by Rochelle Finzel | Know Thyself, Heal Thyself | Medium