Bryan had always been a child at heart, with a sense of wonder and curiosity that never seemed to fade.

But now, as he stood face to face with Death as a benevolent Grim Reaper, he felt a pang of sadness.

"Bryan, it's time to go," Death said softly, his voice almost fatherly.

"Wow! So soon? I thought I had more time," Bryan replied, his eyes wide with surprise.

"Everyone says the same thing," Death replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Bryan looked up at Death with pleading eyes. "Can I stay a little longer?" he asked, his voice filled with childlike innocence.

"I'm afraid not," Death replied gently. "Time to go, now."

Bryan nodded, his lower lip trembling slightly. "Okay," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Death reached out a hand and gently took Bryan's, leading him toward the unknown. "Walk with me," he said, his touch surprisingly warm.

Bryan followed Death, his hand clutching tightly to Death's.
He stopped and tugged on Death’s hand.
"One more thing," he said as Death turned to face him.

"What's that?" Death asked, his eyes softening.

Bryan smiled up at him. "Thanks for everything," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

"I appreciate it, and I'm grateful."

Death returned his smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're welcome," he said, his voice warm and comforting.

Together, they walked toward the void, Bryan still holding Death's hand.

As they moved farther and farther away from the world he knew, Bryan felt a sense of peace wash over him.

Even though his time on earth had ended, he knew that Death was there to guide him home.

And in that moment, he realized that the end of playtime was not a thing to be feared but rather a reminder that there was always more to discover beyond the horizon.

He started singing some Robert Johnson Delta blues…

"Me and the Devil, ooh
Was walkin' side by side"

He doo du doos through the parts he can't recall…

"You may bury my body, ooh
Down by the highway side
So my old evil spirit
Can get a Greyhound bus and ride."

Bryan glances over at Death.

The Grim Reaper has turned into Cab Calloway, and he’s wearing a Black Gangster Zoot suit, replete with a black wide-brimmed hat, long chains, wide bow tie, and sporting some wickedly serious dancing shoes.

He snaps his fingers at Bryan, and they start a cakewalk and singing a brand new song as they disappear into the misty void…

Chorus:
Can I stay a little longer? I begged and I pleaded
But Death just said, " ’fraid not, time to go, you're needed"
So I danced with him, down that long and winding road
One more thing I had to say, before we reached my final abode

Verse:
I turned to Death and said, "Thanks for everything you've done"
"I'm grateful and I appreciate it, for all that I’ve become"
Death just nodded, said "You're welcome, it's what I do"
"But it's time to go now, nothing more to pursue"

Verse:
As we danced along, Death said "Don't you be afraid"
"Just take my hand, n' I'll guide you on this final crusade"
So I took his hand, and I felt a sense of calm
As Death led me to my fate, like a soothing balm

Outro:
So now I'm at the end; my journey's finally done
And I know Death was with me every step of the run
I'm grateful for his kindness, and all that he has shown
For Death is not just a grim reaper but a friend to call your own

 

-Bryan Thompson 2020-2023

Resources:
Robert Johnson - "Me and the Devil Blues"