Death Has Always

Death has always eaten the same meal At the same table, in that exclusive restaurant Before I get there; hungry, misinformed He has always left with the prize Just as I was realizing: this one can change My life, take me farther than I've ever- But no, there walks death sedately, A hundred paces ahead, There goes the last chance I never had, always too late and just far enough behind I had to leave the womb at a trot; Born too late, and I've been running since There were few enough times I even knew what I was hurrying toward But then I glimpse him ahead of me, in his billowing cape And that ridiculous Death's mask, cutting a sinuous swath Out of the very center that the world wheels around: Death always cuts his piece from the hub And then laughs at you over his shoulder As he leaves the party in ruins.