Life Sentence

Life Sentence

Death had been following me,

Though I didn't know why.

Stopped with the traffic lights,

But couldn't look me in the eye.

I could feel his gaze

Each time that I woke

He'd hide in the clothes closet

Camouflaged by his cloak.

Was he ashamed or embarrassed?

As he avoided my look.

I'd catch him, but in hindsight,

He was nervous, this crook

It was only when he finally

knocked upon this barren door

That I realized he wasn't here for me

But instead for what I bore.

And that look of shame

Was now wrought with sorrow

"Nothing," was all he said,

"Will be the same after tomorrow."

I had no one left to beg,

The doctors plugged their ears.

So I looked to him for help

To find humility through my tears.

And though he was the one

Who took everything that day,

He was the only one that stayed

The one who never looked away.

He lingered until it was done

Had gotten use to my presence

And though it wasn't me he took

It was my life that served the sentence.

It's not with you, Death,

With whom my anger lies.

I know you come for all of us

Even under a familiar guise.

And when you come for me

Which you will with certainty

I'll look you back in the eyes

And find them for eternity.

Katie Lilljedahl | 2023