The GateCrashers

Death beckons with a sly smile

Melancholy joins, tip-toeing, in awhile.

Sorrow arrives with a sniffle and a sob

And Grief slinks in, dressed like the mob

Love uninvited, enters with a bow

Bringing Life and Joy and Reprieve in tow
“Dear friends”, they proclaim with a big naughty grin
“Come waltz with us, let us tickle your chin!”

Awaiting no response, Joy grabs hold of Sorrow
Spinning till they’re dizzy, and all in a tizzy
And weak in the knees and collapsed in a heap.
Forcing Sorrow to beat a wobbly retreat,
As she sniffles and laments this boisterous meet.

And the others you know, they can’t stand the din

Even Melancholy; how she hates giving in

So she lingers a while, but quietly shrinks back

Downcast and fretful at this unprovoked attack.

And Hate gives Love some frightening fierce curses

But then runs for cover under a rain of happy verses
Almost alone now, the frolicking frenzied four-some
Dance and parade, singing silly songs more-some

Then they sweep up the shadows, straighten up the bed,

Put Death down to sleep, and march on ahead!