“Please hear me,” cried the lass in tears, “My voice is weak, my heart in fears. “If one must go beneath your sweep, “Take me instead...let Mother keep.” Death answered soft, “Child, why this plea? “The clock I hold bows not to me. “Each thread is spun by fate’s own hand, “I walk the paths already planned.” “But I am young,” the lass replied, “I’ve lived so little, still I’d bide. “She gave me breath, she gave me name, “Without her love, I’m not the same.” Death sighed, “Your love is loud and true, “It shakes the dark I wander through. “Yet lives aren’t coins for you to trade, “Nor vows that even I can braid.” “Then take my years,” the lass implored, “All laughs unborn, all dreams I stored. “Let her see dawns I’ll never know, “I’ll fade content if she can glow.” Death spoke, “Your mother’s strength you wear, “She lives in you beyond despair. “If I should pass her from your sight, “She leaves you armed with borrowed light.” The lass fell still, “I’m so afraid, “Of empty rooms where love once stayed. “Who will I be when she is gone, “When every night feels twice as long?” Death knelt, “You’ll be her echo’s flame, “Her gentleness, her stubborn aim. “She’ll breathe through deeds you dare to do, “And live each day you choose what’s true.” With shaking breath, the lass then sighed, “If you must go, then walk beside. “Be kind to her, don’t let her fear, “Hold her as close as I would here.” Death bowed, “For love like yours, I swear, “I’ll carry her with tender care. “And when you ache and call her name, “Know love outlives both time and flame.”