The Encounter

- Then-

He came running
pale and trembling:
Master, master,
someone pushed into me
at the marketplace
and when I turned,
I saw Death,
glowering and threatening….

Please, please,
lend me one of your horses.
I must leave immediately,
ride to Samarra
where Death will not find me.

The Master bestirred himself
hearing the hoof beats fade
in the distance,
then slowly walked
to the marketplace
to find Death.

Why did you threaten my servant,
he asked.
I did not threaten him,
said Death.
I was surprised to see him
here in Baghdad,
for I have an appointment
with him this evening
in Samarra.

(inspired by Somerset Maugham: Appointment in Samarra, 1933)