“Death Does Not Come” by Birdie D. Stringfellow

Others wait in another dimension
coaxing the soon-to-be departed
to take a step over.

Death growls wildly for the capture
of its prey.
But they are not listening. Hands are
cupped over their ears.

Clouds of fear settle over the sky. A
barrier is laid out and nothing can
break through.

But it is time. Where is the rattle?