IV. Last Desserts

From “The Fruits Of Their Labours” (2014).
Copyright © 2014 by The Apple Zed. All rights reserved.

Guess it’s finally time to go
Greet the Reaper, my old foe
Wish him well, stand at his side
Take his victory in stride

He’s been gracious in defeat
Humoring such stark conceit
It should be time to meet my fate
Yet in mercy he abates

How shall I use the clemency the Reaper gives?
What shall I do with only two more weeks to live?
Have I regrets or wanderlust to gratify?

How could I forget those days? A young man, stationed overseas
Came upon a small cafe, its perfume wafting in the breeze
He walked inside and took a seat. The waitress smiled and cocked her head
He craved a pastry, rich and sweet. Her blue eyes glistened and she said,

“Brave soldier, I know just the thing you’re hungry for
And I guarantee you’ll hunger for it evermore
But when you do, remember even the smallest slice will satisfy you”

Placed before me was a beacon
Of golden light. My hunger weakened
Before I even had to take a bite

Guess it’s finally time to go and find the land I left behind
Greet the Reaper, my old foe, and thank my stars he is so kind
Wish him well, stand at his side, soon as I’ve ordered my affairs
Take his victory in stride, once I’ve managed to ensnare

That Golden Apple pie
I will taste its flesh again. I will taste its crust again
I will taste it one more time before I –