Everyman
(Oh Death, thou comest when I
had thee least in mind!)
God Adonai called His servant
Death and made him Supreme
Messenger to unready man.
Everyman lived his life in order,
spoke of truth and justice,
wrote in a notebook of all his good deeds
prided himself on intelligence and
great sensitivity; shrugged off his
blind impatience.
Everyman surrounded himself with
the Good Things that commerce affords
its precise practitioners, enjoyed a
large circle of friends, sent cards
on Special Occasions to Family.
Rendered his children to approved
Seats of Learning. Everyman read his
bible, considered it a runaway best
seller, liked the bit about an eye
for an eye - he supported Capital
Punishment. Everyman mailed cheques
weekly to his sons and daughters
to ease their way in this Vale of
Tribulations. Facing the Dread Angel
he said: why me? I'm not Godhelpme
ready yet - I need time - to settle
affairs, compose my final goodbye....
Obliging Death granted him a
lingering shade that gaunted his flesh,
sunk his eyes. Everyman fondled his
deedbook, ran loving hands over bankbook
and new car. Said goodbye to his
friends' turned faces; wearily slit
open envelopes to read get-well cards.
Wondered if this was God's punishment
for hanging murderers. Sent off the
last cheque to his grieving
sons and daughters.
c. 1978 Rita Rosenfeld
published in Ululatus, September 1978
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