DEATH

Written for Penny Tabor

The poem I promised to write you Penny Tabor

DEATH

A lot of people I know
Have said they're afraid to die
I have tried to ask them all
Can any of you explain why?

What is it about death
That makes all of you shudder?
Is it the how or why?
But not an answer they udder.

A TV preacher caught in adultery
Takes his own life over the scandal
Front page news showing his followers
Praying in the streets holding lit candles

A homeless combat vet found dead
PTSD and depression was all he had inside
With no one there to help or care
His death ruled a suicide

A gunman walks into a crowd
Killing as many as he can
Then turning the gun up to his head
The trigger completes his plan.

A young marine step out of the plane
Very close to the combat zone
A single shot aimed at his temple
FALLEN,,,, through no fault of his own

People, good or bad, we all will die
Death isn't a suggestion anyone can defy
Accepting death will help you live your days
Until that bell rings out our number to pay.

by Dwain Dowdy
for Penny Tabor
07/06/2019

Reviews

[barleygirl]

WOW! This is a well-written poem with powerful examples to show instead of tell. I come away at the end with a sense that you have not actually made a point with this poem . . . it's more like you are leaving the ending a little vague just to keep the reader thinking on such things for a bit. I totally agree that becoming desensitized to death can sometimes be a good thing. I'm 63, so people are dropping around me like flies it seems. I even wrote a poem about it, a spoof on death, right after my mom died. I honestly enjoy taking a hard look at death & how people interact with it. That's why your straightforward msg appeals to me & I also love the strong rhyme & rhythm (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie