There is sickness
and sadness
and death.
Death is our all-the-time companion.
There is a corner in the room
reserved for him.
His door is always open.
Father and Mother
cover Bella’s eyes.
She has already seen too much that is
not good in the world.
Father, Saul, and I try to stare Death down—
we want him to think
we are not afraid.
Deep down we know
if he invites us over
we will not be able to refuse.
Death does not take “no” for an answer.