When Death Comes Courting

When Death comes courting, what do you say?
'I'm sorry Mr. Reaper, but not today?
I have to wash my hair,
and dry it with utmost care.
But please do come again tomorrow,
and I will ease your weary sorrow.'

And what if Death comes calling, once more?
What do you say to him as you stare at him through your door?
'I'm sorry Mr. Reaper, but I simply haven't the time,
I must wash my tub for it is full of grime.
Then I must wash and fold my cloths,
and then I must water my flowers in rows and rows.
So come again tomorrow and we shall sit for a spell.
And I promise you then, you will feel well.'

And what do you say, when he comes again,
and wishes to speak to you about the death of men?
'I'm sorry Mr. Reaper, but you can not stay,
for I wish to live and enjoy the day.
I can not be your shoulder to weep on,
so take your scythe and please be gone.'

And what if Death comes again,
but not to court or call you friend?
What if he comes in scorn, at last,
to take you with him into his cast?
What do you say, when you have reaped what you have sewn,
causing your own death to force you to atone?
Do you weep with regret for what might have been,
if you had simply opened the door to a sorrow filled friend?
Or do you heap blame upon him alone,
wishing it were he who stood in shadow and stone?

So remember next when Death comes to call,
to open the door and let down your wall,
and share through empathy his sorrow and pain,
so you are assured in today, that you will remain.