Death is my lover

i alone
was left to stand;
my brothers were fallen
defending this land.

the air was thick
with the screams of the dying.
i hardened my heart
but my soul began crying.

a Hand on my shoulder,
a soft quiet Voice -
"come with Me forever
I give you this choice."

Death is my Lover
i felt Her Embrace
i turned to my comrades
dying in place.

my hand touched Her Face
then i looked at my brothers,
i jerked back my hand
and ignored my cold Lover.

an officer was i,
and an officer still.
i buried my brothers
on a blood-covered hill.

Death is my Lover,
She comes once more;
the injured are dying,
She stands in the door.

i stay by one's bedside,
so young is that face
no longer in grief -
a pale and cold grace.

She lounged in the doorway
but didn't come in,
Her Mouth was so serious
but Her Eyes they did grin.

"to live is to die,
this you should know
for Me you've been courting
since years ago.

eternity waits
My stubborn young man -
forget this poor child,
let go his cold hand."

A Deathly cold Hand
lies on my shoulder,
"you think you're bold
but I know I'm bolder.

I've been your Lover
for fifteen long years.
I've heard your laughs
and I've caused your tears.

I am your Lover
for now and forever."
Her cold Lips brushed mine
and something did sever.

My Face grew cold
as did My brother's.
for how long can you live
when Death is your Lover?

- Ashley Hemsath -

Ms. Hemsath hails from North Carolina, works in the theater, and has a puppy who chewed up her first completed draft of this poem. Xanadu hopes to publish some of her fiction in the near future.