SCENE

Death has unexpectedly

Brought a lute with him

He's played a few notes 

And sung the opening lines

Of a long-unheard ballad

In a sweet tenor voice

(The bearded priest glares;

Death should be more grim)

Following the best protocols

The dying man's good angel

Stands to his right while

A demon is at his left.

Things are running long;

The demon's eyes are closed

And she may be asleep.

To keep himself awake

The angel has quietly made

The ragged clothes and curtains

Start sewing themselves whole.