Death
written by: Jackie Chou
I am not one to think about death
though some say she stands
right around the street corner
wearing nothing conspicuous
not even stilettos
They would make too much noise
and warn her patrons to evade her
which is never her intention
so she walks in soft loafers
She is no Elvira
with raven hair and red lips
but mousy-looking
which also helps her
keep a low profile
I have made a point
to avoid semi-trucks
with rattling back doors
that can discharge
something heavy or sharp
killing me
Revolving ceiling fans
which can fall
and chop off my head
also make me nervous
But I have looked
into the eyes
of every passerby
and have not yet seen
the ethereal taker of lives
Jackie Chou is a poet of free verses and Japanese short form poetry who has work forthcoming in Mollyhouse Lit and Cyan: an Anthology of Confessional Poetry. Her poem "Cycle of a Tree" was nominated for a Pushcart by Highland Park Poetry.
Latest posts by Jackie Chou (see all)
- Death - January 3, 2026
- Where I’m From - September 10, 2025
- At the Snake Year Festival - June 9, 2025
