King Death

Father time met pale King Death sittin’ by a tomb,                                                Hello old friend I guess you’re here to seal somebody’s doom. 

You might say that sly death replied, a smile slid up his face,                           Inside repose that Jesus man who said He’d save the race.

And you time, why are you stopping here? Don’t you have things to do?                I come each day to draw the vail and let the mornin’ through. 

Say, why are you watching jus’ one grave, with all your vast domain?             Looks like you’d be out rambling round and smitin’ folks with pain. 

Well, this one’s somethin’ special, He challenged me they say.                         Said He’d rest here just three days. Then 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 down it’s for eternity. 

I sure can testify to that, responded father time.                                                     I ain’t seen one shake off the dust since you been in your prime.

Well I got other things to do I must be on my way.                                              I’ll see you when I come back by to make another day. 

So whiskered time went up the hill to bid the sun to rise.                                      And left death standin’ by the tomb lookin’ strong an’ wise. 

Next day, time ambled by again, an’ how are things he queried.                      Kinda quiet death replied. I’m startin’ to be wearied. 

I won’t be here when you come by this time tomorrow.                                     I’m anxious to be on my way an’ spread some grief and sorrow. 

Now Father time was quiet surprised when he came back to see                   Death quiverin’ on the ground in frightful agony.

His eyes were set his throat was marked, his clothes in disarray.                           It wasn’t difficult to see death had had his day. 

What, happened death?, asked Father time. What makes you look so bad?       I’ve never seen you shake this way, or seem so scared and sad. 

Death pulled himself up on a rock a-lookin’ sick an’ humble,                          Hung his head an’ wrung his hands and time could hear him mumble. 

Was sittin’ here before the dawn about to take my stroll.                               When all at once this whole wide world began to reel and roll. 

That rollin’ stone jumped off the door an’ skipped on down the hill.                 Then everything grew dark and quiet, seemed like the earth stood still. 

I saw Him standin’ in the door He didn’t move or speak.                                  Just looked at me an’ all at once I felt so tired and weak.

He came and got a hold on me an’ threw me to the groun’                                 Put His foot here on my neck Then took my keys an’ 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. 

As they passed the garden gate I heard Him say just then,                                  He’s settin’ free the captives, and givin’ gifts to men. 

Time and Death met once again, Off yonder by the gate.                                    It’s good to see you, said old time I’ve wondered ‘bout your fate. 

I’m just a lowly servant now, There’s little time to roam.                                        I just push open this old gate, and help the saints get home. 

Coming a day when time will be no more and death will be banished.