Reprieve

He feels that he is crumbling
One piece falling with each day
So he reasons that his time is out
And Death will come collect

He waits and hears the darkness knock
Feels the winter breath of cold
He murmurs still another prayer
Lamenting a vast and sordid past

He speaks of his many crimes
Several vicious pursuits
Those he harmed along the way
The bones left graying in the dust

He can feel the night retreat
And daylight edging slowly in
The grave is going to have to wait
Grieving at this new delay.