TALES OF A DEAD MAN

It ended on the sidewalk, as I recall 
I stumbled and fell and hit my head
Then, as though asleep, the world stood still 
Awaken outside my body, I realized that I was kill 

I felt the burning from the bullets blow
My blood was flowing and melting the snow 
Unable to move or whisper and word
I lay on the sidewalk in the arms of the dark

Then, all of a sudden, I had a private show
The sky was the canvas with paintings aglow
From the cradle to the grave, I saw my life replayed 
Not a spoken word or action was Forbaid

Kind words they spoke at the site of the grave
Tears of my loved ones stained their faces
I watched them as they sobbed, holding each other close 

Then, the final flowers they tossed as everyone turned 
And walked away 
My spirit sought retribution from that very day.

Wilford Barker.