Death Meets The Master

Death Meets The MasterThis poem is based on a passage from one of John Jasper’s sermons on the resurrection.Father Time met Pale King DeathSittin’ by a tomb.“Hello, old friend. I guess you’re hereTo seal somebody’s doom.”“You might say that, “sly Death replied –A smile slid up his face.“Inside repose that Jesus manWho said He’d save the race.“And you, time, why you stoppin’ here?Don’t you have things to do?”“I come each day to draw the veilAnd let the mornin’ through.“Say, why you watchin’ jus’ one graveWith all your vast domain?Looks like you’d be out ramblin’ ‘roundAn’ smitin’ folks with pain.”“Oh, this one’s somethin’ special,He challenged me they say.Said He’d rest here just three daysThen stir and walk away.“Now I’m the Conqueror you know,They don’t talk up to me.When I step in to cut’em downIt’s for eternity.”“I sure can testify to that,”Responded Father Time,“I ain’t seen one shake off the dustSince you been in your prime.“Well, I’ve got other things to do,I must be on my way.I’ll see you when I come back byTo make another day.”So whiskered Time went up the hillTo bid the sun to rise,And left Death standin’ by the tombLookin’ strong and wise.Next day, Time ambled by again,“An how are things?” he queried.“Kinda quiet,” Death replied,“I’m startin’ to be wearied.“Won’t be here when you come byAbout this time tomorrow.I’m anxious to be on my wayTo spread some grief an’ sorrow.”Now Father Time was quite surprisedWhen he came back to seeDeath a-quiverin’ on the rockIn frightful agony!His eyes were set; his throat was marked;His clothes in disarray.It wasn’t diffcult to see:Old Death had had his day.“What happened Death?” asked Father Time,“What makes you look so bad?I’ve never seen you shake this wayOr seem so scared and sad.”Death pulled himself up on a rockLookin’ sick and humble.Hung his head an’ wrung his hands,Then Time could hear him mumble.Was sittin’ here before the dawn,About to take a stroll,When all at once this whole wide worldBegan to reel and roll.“That rollin’ stone jumped off the doorAn’ skipped on down the hill.Then everything grew dark and quiet,Seemed like the world stood still.“I saw Him standin’ in the door –He didn’t move or speak,Just looked at me an’ all at onceI felt so tired and weak.“He came and got a hold on meAn’ threw me to the ground.Put His foot here on my neck,Then took my keys and crown.“Two angels came to talk with Him,They glistened like the sun.He said, “The plan’s all finished now,Redemption’s work is done.”An’ as they passed the garden gateI hear Him say, just then,He’s setting free my captives,And givin’ gifts to men.”Time and Death met once againOff yonder by the gate.“It’s good to see you,” said old Tim,“I’ve wondered ‘bout your fate.”“Oh, I’m a lowly servant now,There’s little time to roam,I just push open this old gate,And help the saints go home!”(Contributed by Dr. William F. Harrell)