Only an Observer

Have no fear, mortal ones
When air is none in your lungs.
I am not the extinguisher of life,
Nor am I black and weld a scythe.

Despair not of your brief being,
For you know not of my eternal suffering.
I am not simply black and white,
I am shades of grey in colourful light.

I offer you to consider my existence:
A being who practises absolute abstinence.
I am not without compassion,
But sadly, I can allow no emotion.

Have no fear when you come to me,
Rest assured you won’t be lonely.
I can offer you my collection of stories
Of Heaven and Hell and other glories.

I am only a passing observer,
But my duty is gruelling and forever.
I am the carrier of the truth you bend,
I am Death, the beginning of an end.