Half to Death

I’m scared half to death
At a sudden, loud sound
My heart quickly races
And my breathing gets shallow

I’m scared half to death
When the phone rings
In the middle of the night
It’s usually something bad and unexpected

I’m scared half to death
When someone says “I have bad news”
I brace my emotions
For a jarring report

I’m scared half to death
When I realize that I will,
Someday,
Truly die.

- 40 -