O Death, O Pein Poem by Folayemi Akande

O pain, o death, dear friends of the living

My still lips have gained delight o'er your lost

My pale face now dance' in glare to your reigns end

I've sought refuge in a pyre you can't reach

A ribboned tent that no cold hand can find.

A pyre richly engraved with my all earthly deeds.

You slave of fate have no hold on me ev'more

Your charms and torment will not in me ev' dwell.

For this sepulchre is far more dwelling -
than earth's most turbulent womb.

Where my rotten repose will be-
the mother of blooming rosebuds

My sins are saints as my garment white

Beams to graze my bier with soft embrace-
not with the worms sickle keen shall they feast my skin

O death, o pain, have sought an abode with warmer embrace

For I have left earth to darkness and to you

In this I share delight that you have no share in my core.