Like Achilles, we're headfirst into the river of life

Slowly floating downstream towards death, irrevocably

Circumstances may speed many through whitewater rapids,

To an untimely end, somewhat unbenevolently

 

Those less fortunate perish in cascading waterfalls

While others simply meander aimlessly in shallows

Egotists, ignorant of the plight of their own drowning

Unaware the complexion of death, like theirs, is sallowed

 

Should the river run wild, sure to become impassible.

Acquaint yourself with the ferryman and pay his fair price.

Whether a poor serf or rich king, the cost never differs,

Half a scruple of silver, plus your soul, to be precise

 

Whether a poet, priest, prince or pauper, life’s water ebbs,

Death, though, reasons all without fear of discrimination.

Each mortal passing first precedes and then succeeds others

Every fresh death is just another life in cessation

 

Each sad demise of man shows little or no difference

one may breathe his last at dusk, whilst another waits till dawn.

The only similarity for those now departed

Is their families measured grief as they forlornly mourn