Thanatos came in an old-time Black Maria

and parked with one wheel on the curb.

“No need to drive carefully”

He laughed.

 

“Be honest, you’re happy to see me.”

 

Am I?

 

In the soft moonlight,

in the held-breath stillness

before the brightly looming stars

cede the sky to dawn

I stroll, hands in pockets,

down the darkened streets of home.

 

Strange, when my ride appears,

I realize how much I like to walk.