i embraced Death--a poem

i embraced Death

A gaunt principal has won my respect.

He lurks in the schoolroom of Life,

Over the shoulders of each test

Watching with cold misted breath

As nervous students peer fearfully

From the corners of their eyes.

I have watched him on occasion,

Calling one student or another

To his office. Some never come back.

Only once has he ever looked at me,

With a curious expression, as if of love.

We made eye contact. I blinked. He nodded.

I looked away.

But after class, I came up to him (I can't believe

My nerve) and tapped him on the shoulder.

He turned and gazed down at me,

His blank white eyes and stretched visage

Sent shivers down my spine, but,

I took a deep breath,

and said,

Thank you for teaching me to live.

I now know each moment is precious, since

You will call me, as you must, as we all will be.

I will not resign my standing as a student here.

I will learn to love it here instead.

But, when you call,
I promise I will come willing, in surrender.

And his lips pursed and drew back, almost a smile,

Though he said nothing. Those blank eyes

seemed cruel. Then, of a sudden, I found myself

Tucked into a warm embrace, his firm arms

Tightening about my rib cage. I feel loved.

An awkward pause.

Then, he releases me, and without a word,

Floats down the hallway to his office.

And I think,

perhaps,

he is misunderstood