For Francis - An Ode to Death

Recently, I heard of a friend's death
And was shocked at the heavy blow Death has dealt
Francis was kind and full of mirth
With uncountable gifts under his belt
And even as I didn't really know him
He was one of the few I liked on a whim
Francis was likable and free
Golden rays in dark clouds he made us see
And even as I didn't know him
My loss was deep and grim
Francis was an asset to the fold
But he was caught in Death's embrace - so cold
And even if I'm no stranger to Death
Even if I've supped at the helms of her skirt
You do not know how death feels until she comes for you
You do not know... until she has you