I don’t hate Death
Nor do I fear it
No, I know it’s a friend
One that takes away suffering
And grants peace, eternal slumber

What I hate is the aftermath
The grief, the pain
The funeral arrangements
And greeting everyone
Putting up a brave face

What I fear is the aftermath
The wailing fading to soft sobbing
Waves of memories and heart-wrenching pain
The wish to turn back time
The helplessness knowing it’s a pipe dream

I don’t hate Death
Nor do I fear it
What I hate is the aftermath
What I fear is the aftermath
What I know will always follow death — the damned aftermath.