(DST)

The clock on the wall struck half past
ten
the hour to retire for most women and men

I listened to the clock, heard a knock
on the door
I looked no one was there
Half past two, still awake with
nothing to do
Half past four I fell asleep

forgetting the mother

I had expected to come through

the door
A gust of wind blew through

the window

Death came in with a shroud on

his face

He came to take me, not yet was

my plea

I have much to do and much to undo

Death agreed to let me stay

He gathered his cloak about him and

went on his way

I suddenly awoke – knowing this was but a dream!

This poem is from my book ‘Child Interrupted’