Death came peering in my windows,
I caught it rattling the locks on my doors-
(shut up tight to keep out the cold)
I saw its sad face peer intently into mine;
As if attempting to judge how much strength
I had left...

I lit dry leaves to smolder and smoke,
Like my ancient ancestors-
I sang and chanted and made promises...
I tried to drive it away,
But then,
I saw it smile-
and knew,
I had failed...