Beyond the maps, where legends dwell, I ventured into the unknown

In my best boots with straps, with my book of spells, I entered the realm of bloodless bone.

The stench of death, like sulfur rotted rose, burned my throat and my belly turned

I clenched, ceased my breath, vultures plotted over my nose, I soon learned that mortals in this savage land were ever spurned.

For I, alone, came to this lair, the dark scape beyond the veil, to meet the lord and legend in the pale

I wish I had known he had the same stare — the bark, the nape, the wail — as my best and adored, not this specter, full of bale.

‘Tis evil that would make the reaper whimper and beg, do tricks like a dogged friend

The devil will do, forsaking me deeper, simpering, peg myself, try to fix my sins in this fogged end.

But no perturbed pet, nor pity, nor glooming climate gray and alone

Would disturb my whet, my gritty booming; rhyme it — I will not sway, my vengeance be known!

For the dark dealer of mortal ends, my foe has become — let him taste my blade, evade my spells!

Hark! Here comes the healer, foretold, who bends winds to blow — succumb! Face me! My spade will fade you to Hell!

Then Death arrived. No dog nor bat, was he. Just a little old man, dressed in shorts, with a tan.

He looked deprived. Groggy and fat, like me. Busted, bald and deadpan, unimpressed, shirtless, he began:

“I take it you’re here to avenge a lover who passed away too soon.”

The devil, I fear, began to hover, at last he relayed where my furies were hewn:

“It’s but a job I must do, taking souls back home, when their time on Earth is done.”

I felt like a slob, like a bumbling boo. Making holes where I roam — havoc and crime! What worth have I won?

Death told me I was brave to face him down, though I confess he seemed braver than I.

The wealth unfolded that I see, is I can save my own trace, not drown — but bless, be what I dreamed! I found that Death cannot lie.

So I left the underworld and returned to my life, no longer in denial, not raged, unwilling to trade my sorrow.

I put away my weapons, met another girl, made her my wife — got stronger, had a child — now he’s engaged, fulfilling what’s made for tomorrow.

Grief lies not beyond the maps, where legends live or die. It’s a region of the human heart, it asks us to love, then gives what’s lost our tears to cry.