Death

I laughed I mocked, but felt the fears
of Death and Life each day.
Then felt the laughter change to tears
As the world turned dreary gray.

Confusion springs before me now
As years add age to me,
Wrinkling skin and whitening brow,
Weakening mind and knee.

Helpless now, I dread my fate,
As mocking years go by,
Pointing me to the stern cold gate
Of the tomb in which I'll lie.