The Visit

I awoke with a start, 

    something gripped my heart.

It felt a bit like fear, 

    as my eye let go a tear.

Someone near me loomed, 

    someone in my room.

"Who stands near my bed?" 

    I tried to raise my head.

My body felt like ice. 

    No blanket would suffice.

A figure dark and cloaked. 

    I didn't think a joke.

I couldn't see his face. 

    My heart began to race.

"Are you the man in black? 

    The one who takes souls back?"

I thought he whispered words.

    If so, they went unheard.

"Please speak up and say

    if you're here to take me away!"

I felt breath on my neck.

    I was a complete wreck.

My vision became blurred.

    My voice was frail and slurred.

"Please just leave me be!

    It can't be time for me!"

I shuddered in despair

    when I felt him touch my hair.

Then I heard him whisper close

    sending fear, another dose.

"You won't leave with me tonight,

    but your life do not take light."

I suddenly awoke.

    I know I heard him when he spoke.

There is no question now,

    death did visit me somehow.