"A Matter of Life and Death…."

A Matter of Life and Death….

“I will come to you in the still of the night,”
Said the phantom to the maiden fair.
“We will always be united in our love
Death is not a reason for despair.”

“But, you’re dead!” said the girl. “And I am afraid!
This is not the way our love should be.
You are but a wraith and I am flesh and blood.
Please, just fade away and let me be.”

“But, my love, don’t you see? I just need you near.
I have found a way to reclaim life.
Hold me to your lips and breathe my essence in.
We’ll be closer than a man and wife.”

Though she was afraid, she loved her suitor more,
So she did the thing he asked of her.
In the still of the night, the ghost touched her lips.
Suddenly, a strange thing did occur!

First the maiden screamed, then she became quite still.
She could barely draw a gasping breath.
She whispered to the air, “Love, what have you done?”
By wanting life, you have caused my death!”

As the girl lay still, the wraith was trapped within.
For a bit, they shared each other’s touch.
Then they slipped away, united once again;
Death was caused by loving him too much.

11-9-11-9, abcb