A Kinder, Gentler Death, in Limerick

 I

If Death would only tickle

Our fears could ease a little

When he comes to your bed

Would it cause you more dread

If he carried a feather or sickle?

II

And if Death could give us a smile

Spread some cheer once in a while

He needn’t bring gifts

Though he could fill the wish

Of the poor man whose pain is a trial.

III

And finally, if Death would just vary

And sometimes be temporary

If he’d let us come back

Or send signs through the black

We’d find him more complimentiary.

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