• A strange harbinger must give warning of her arrival
    Not from ages of yore like prophets in the Bible
    A call sent by the wire or placed from outside the fence
    We still choose the date and the hour at one's convenience
    Abrasive necessity may just be enough
    For the others, falling apart, to feel the rough
    Duties almost her job, rubbing them the wrong way
    Appearing casual as any business day
    Wiping her feet, good guest, but we assume blood stains
    Have marred her soles, prepared for the stench that remains
    But she is no murderer,no, is not hiding
    May not even see Death or linger long after tidings
    Delivered before memory lapse or denial
    Would rob us of the beginnings of this trial
    Our prayers are not answered by polite knock and smile
    This a grin so vacant, no feelings may abound
    That, we understand, is empty, but why the sound?
    Do not nearly all who gather here still exist?
    After she gently swooped down right into our midst
    Meet they who leave in such haste the door stands ajar
    Meet they who also from here do not live too far
    How will she react once nemesis is revealed
    Now meet they that must also stay and will not yield
    For they know she must come if she can change one's plight
    Perhaps never could sans their invaluable insight
    To proper wants and needs of the not-yet-deceased
    And no one blames them (Making them blameless or she?)
    Through the motions no one speaks truly what is on their mind
    And though she may return at another appointed time
    She will no longer be a harbinger, nor another
    For the one she does not yet call mother