Acquainted with You, Death

I have been well acquainted with you, Death

I have walked fearlessly --- and trembling back

I have survived and heard their dying breath

I have known waves culled; shirked amnesiacs

And pencils sharpened blunt and blended fines

The overwritten blurred intent in blacks

I have seen children list, assemble lines

I have watched crowds devise advance for war

The world to turn but not resembling signs

Twice ten, twice three, one, two, one and one four

Time now, time then, together, here at last

I stumbled blankly staring at the floor

Prolonged hands ticking, breathing, whispers cast

I have been well acquainted with you, Death