The Time I Spoke With Death

I recently watched a German musical called Elisabeth and there was a character meant to be Death (Der Tod) and that got me thinking, what if during my open heart surgery I spoke with Death? I wasn't going to die (obviously), but I was closer to Death then usual. So I wrote this piece inspired by that, a conversation with Death that I don't remember. It's a slightly heavy topic, but I tried to be as lighthearted about it as possible. This isn't about dying, more about knowing Death as a friend and not being afraid.

Note: this isn't supposed to be Der Tod specific, just Death in general. There was some inspiration but I tried to be as vague as possible. I think Death looks different for each of us, mine just happens to be a handsome person in velvet haha

I find myself sitting in a chair. Everything is grey clouds around me. To my left is a window, a large gilded gold frame filled with thick glass. It's twice as tall as me and twice as wide, filling my entire view. After a moment I realize there's someone on the other side, a figure sits just as I do. They turn to me and I see them fully, like a camera coming into focus. They are beautiful, wild and enticing. They were the most gorgeous and most terrifying being I had ever seen. A part of me wants to recoil, like I should be scared of them, but instead I feel a familiarity. Like I've met them before. "Hello dear one, we meet again." Their voice was sharp and deep like the sting of salt water as you sink to the depths, but it was oddly comforting. I remember my last memory before coming here, the plain walls, the strangers that I trusted with my life, the vulnerability. "Hello. It's been a long time. Wait I-I'm not…" "No not yet, this isn't your time. But I came by to watch over you, keep you company while the men of science work the magic I cannot." We sit for a bit, an hour, forever I'm not sure, time has no meaning here. I ask questions and the figure answers the best they can, they ask me questions in return and I happily reply. We talk about anything that comes to mind, the conversation easy and relaxing. It's always good to speak with an old friend. After what seems like an eternity and also 5 mins the figure suddenly looks away, as if their attention has been called. Soon they turned back to me with a sad smile. "Unfortunately the time has come for my leave." I hesitate. "I don't want you to go…" The figure smiles again, a flash of pure white teeth, and presses their hand against the glass. I lay my hand on the glass over theirs. "Someday we shall talk again, maybe next time we can share a drink. But you have much to do, so much to see." I'm sad but also very relieved. "I won't remember any of this will I?" "No you won't. But the feeling will never leave you. Remember, I'm always with you. To the end." "To the end." I repeat back softly. Slowly the figure fades from view, like fog being washed away by the morning sun.  I know I'll go back soon, my respite here finished. Even though I won't remember, I'll still think of that bright smile and those sharp eyes. As much as I'll miss them I hope the next time I see them I shall be grey and old, yet spring into their arms as if I was young again. But until then I have a life to live.