The flame of life near flickered out,
Death's shadow crossed his face.
Its stern command today he'd flout,
Heartbeat from its embrace.

The sobering jolt of this event,
Would a while feed resolution.
But now, love of life and good intent,
Were a short-lived revolution.

For the powerful forces of desire,
Can undermine resolve.
Their skill and mastery conspire,
To strongest will dissolve.

Not quite a year, and he was dead,
The offer of life declined.
Its contract, terms of which he'd read,
Today remains unsigned.