Death does not equivocate

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  • Structured Verse

    Death does not equivocate

     Death does not equivocate
    Nor tarry nor delay.
    She seals your sight and steals your breath
    And then goes on her way.

    When that day comes the deed is done,
    The final curtain drawn,
    The same is true for king or knight
    For bishop or for pawn.

    When we shuck off this mortal coil
    Our bodies turn to dust.
    Our hopes and wealth evaporate
    With passions and with lust.

    Our intellect dissolves away,
    Our love is gone it seems,
    And all the things we meant to do
    Are forfeit with our dreams.

    So what remains, when all is said,
    And naught is left to do?
    And what will be the legacy
    Our children will cling to?

    The memories of those we loved
    Are all that there will be,
    The gentle smile, the outstretched hand,
    The laughter full and free,

    The gift of praise, the gift of love,
    When death comes round that day,
    The only thing that's left of us
    Is what we gave away.

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    PoetWithCancer commented on Death does not equivocate

    02-16-2011

    This is the first time I have seen Death personified as "she." I know that these days people go out of their way to give women equal time with personifications, but if I were a woman I would not consder changing Death from the traditional male figure to a female, to be an advance for feminism. // Perhaps "it" would be a better word than either "she" or "he." // It isn't any big deal, it's just an offhand comment. It isn't very important to me. It just jarred me at first. // Once the jarring effect of seeing Death as "she" wore off, the rest of the poem is very well written. Characterizing people as chess pieces called up flavors of the Rubaiyat (that's probably not spelled right, but I'm too tired to look it up). // The idea that the memories we leave behind are all that is left of us is sad. What if no one remembers us? Or hardly ever calls our once vibrant life to mind? A legacy of poetry and other writings is more what I am aiming for; and I'm sure it's on your llist. // This poem doesn't pull any punches. There is no sugar-coating of apparent reality. Yet the poem is upbeat and positive. 10 from me. // Michael LP, Mr. Poet
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    rsalassi commented on Death does not equivocate

    07-25-2010

    Eloquent, without being preachy. Smoothly paced. Excellent, sir!
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    WordSlinger commented on Death does not equivocate

    06-09-2010

    This is what I am talking about great poem thank you so much ty WS
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    HarverTomsson commented on Death does not equivocate

    10-13-2009

    I can relate to one who can use equivocate correctly. You start to persuade with erudition, and end by convincing with common sense that defines true wisdom. I'm liking this one alot.
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    dragonfly1023 commented on Death does not equivocate

    07-25-2009

    I swear I could have written this. Not only the premise but in rhyme and meter as well . great sentiments on life and death. I'd say great job but I feel I'd be patting myself on the back :D
    Reply to Comment

    gmcookie

    07/25/2009

    Lol... Thanks much Dragonfly. Having read some of your work, I take that as a very high compliment.

    If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry.

    Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) American poet.

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