Bonehead

This is a tale based upon a true story told to Wilkie by a relative. It won 3rd prize in the Corinium Radio Competition in November 2006.
 

Bonehead   

Last night, as I lay in my bed,

a visitor stopped by, 

a skeleton with grinning mouth,

who wielded a great scythe.

I froze as he strode up to me

but this is what I said,

"My heart beats, I’m alive and well,

I surely can’t be dead?"

The hairs upon my scalp stood stiff,

as from electric shock,

"I think you should be dead," he said,

"I’d better check the clock.

Oh! It seems I’m here too early,

enjoy your beauty sleep -

I’ll leave your bedroom straight away,

I’ve other souls to reap."

He grinned at me and clacked his teeth,

and said "Goodnight old chap,

I’ll come for you around the dawn

- that’s when life’s thread should snap."

I wrapped warm blankets around me

and covered up my head,>

what I can’t see, can’t hurt me and

I must be safe in bed.

My teeth rattled like castanets,

knees grew sore from knocking.

I pulled them up and hugged them and

sat there gently rocking.

I didn’t get much sleep last night,

lying there in terror

'til Bonehead returned at dawn and

said, "There's been an error;

a little slip, an oversight -

I’m sorry for the mess.

It shouldn't be your time to go,

I’ve got the wrong address."

He walked away but turned right back- 

it’s really not my night.

It might have been an error but

I’ve gone and died of fright.

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