Cheating Death

When I think 

To cheat death 

It is not entirely 

Of my own behest 

I think more so 

Of the loss of my love 

For without her 

Life is merely 

A living death 

For, whilst I 

Would most certainly 

Continue to pour my love 

In her direction 

The receptacle of response 

Receiving and returning 

Would reside distant 

On a far other shore 

Without her 

My heart would shatter 

My life would be 

Broken shards of glass 

It is purely selfish of me 

I completely realize 

Be that as it may 

Every day is now a treasure 

I bask completely 

In the radiance of her smile 

I luxuriate absolutely 

Neath the warmth of her touch 

Cheat death ? 

Oh, yes I will 

Every day 

I will live 

I will feel her passion 

I will cling to her 

Lest you fret 

She is not gone 

She is not dying 

Any more than any of us 

Still, every day 

I will love her 

And be loved in return 

And we will cheat death 

Together 

© Ron Simpson Jr. 

January 10, 2023