For months, I knocked upon the doors of death - 

Oh thresh this soul from broken flesh and bone! - 

Relentlessly I cried with tearing breath,

Yet not a sound came past the walls of stone.

One day you took me by my bleeding hand;

Upon my heart you placed your sweetest kiss.

I knew with you this sorrow I could stand,

Convinced to live; I now had much to miss.

And as we left, the Reaper watched us go,

Not stern, but solemn, slightly, kindly waved,

Looked after us, and though I do not know,

I think that Death was glad my life was saved.

Victoriously yours against my fears,

Each breath reminds me I am more than tears.