It never worked for me
the tales of you slinking about
hooded
with scythe in hand
The predator prey thing –
so overplayed!

Instead I imagine you
young
beautiful
with hands
that have not toiled
and eyes
that have not known betrayal.

You are fleeting;
impermanent
A reminder of all we
will lose
All we cannot possess.
Not ours
to give or take;
to keep or protect

Our responsibility
alone
to relinquish.