Angel of Death

Something a little different than my normal

It seems the harbinger of Death
Dons his onyx velvet cloak
Riding across the earthly sky
On a steed of satin black

Death, quietly calling out names
Gathering those mortal souls
Whose human time has ended
Shadowed like a starless night

Long silky Obsidian hair blows
With the crashing of the wind
As sapphire eyes gleam like star dust
Gazing across the horizon

Feathered wings folded on his back
Hidden from people simple sight
As he softly repeats their names
But a hushed whisper upon the clouds

A comforter to the sick and frail
Whose moments tick by with pain
As he leads them peacefully
To Heavens strong shining gates

His arrival seems more frequent
Over the span of a couple weeks
Collecting a few nearer to me
Releasing them from earthly confines

Reviews

[Lorry]

The call that comes to us all, usually at the most inopportune time, that we cant hide from and for some it is the blessing they have been waiting on.
At least the release from earthly confines means being pain free at long last.
I do hope there are puddles to splash in in heaven. It is tge great leveller for everyone to be able to smile and giggle at the splooshes.
Plus, i bet in heaven they have instant drying so you never have to walk around with soggy socks!
Now thats my idea of heav.....what do you mean i'm not on the list? 😝

[Poetic Beauty]

Oh I do hope there are puddles to splash in, lakes to swim and rain to dance in. Those simple childish things bring great happiness and joy

[emmajoygreen]

'A comforter to the sick and frail
Whose moments tick by with pain
As he leads them peacefully
To Heavens strong shining gates'

Some years ago I heard a darling relative, dosed with diamorphine (sp) give a teeny sigh then, slip gently into the heaven she had been waiting for for weeks.

How true that is for many and whilst others grieve, they in turn have to accept that peace is kinder than the loss of human ability or that terrible word - agony. Your poem is of tragedy yet is written with understanding and awareness

[Enigma]

Beautifully written. This made me think of Terry Pratchett's rendition (?) of Death which is one of my favourite characters in the entire Discworld series. I love how this poem shows the death's beautiful and compassionate side, doing what needs done.


“What can the harvest hope for, if not for the care of the Reaper Man?” - Reaper Man by Discworld (I'd love for you to read it, in case you haven't read it already).

[Vol]

PB,
I remember driving my car when I came to a stop sigh and was SUDDENLY crushed by the sure knowledge that I would one day die... I had to pull over and deal with it for almost an hour before I could continue on. that was over forty years ago, and here I am... EXACTLY the same man I was, only a little more understanding of what it's all about... as though that might make a difference... one day, my eyes will still be in my head, my heart still in my chest, and neither one working...
Funny, We just discovered an old tv show I'd never heard of... "Dead Like Me." Some of the best TV I have ever watched... the writing is textbook good and deserves the same respect as any other real literature.
Vol

[An owl on the moon]

There is a sacred stillness in this poem that echoes long after the final line. The feathered wings, the whisper of names, the black steed under the sky—each image creates a celestial hush. It is sorrow bathed in beauty, darkness cloaked in light.

[Mauricio Montoya]

Wow PB this chilling tale of what we don't know is a killing of all hope, great imagery and with flow of what is a awake up to wonder where we stand, good reading nevertheless I have hope.
Thank you for sharing.

[Costa Siwale]

Such a cinematic picture you paint of the big grim! I enjoyed reading this! I don't wish to see him anytime soon but enjoyed this piece. CS

[Pete]

ouch. i hope he doesn't have my address. some great imagery with well-chosen words.

[FlaLover]

Powerful and thought revoking. Reluctantly I admit I have wished it was my turn to be called. But God gives me the strength to live another day.
Your words helped me to reflect.

[Katrina Mckeown]

I do hope when the time is near a friendly Angel will appear to comfort and ease the passing from this life into the next where puddles are explored with excitement again .
An enjoyable read well penned.

[Thomas W Case]

Powerful. A great reminder to seize the day.

[Poetic Beauty]

That it is indeed