1976, the American rock band, Blue Oyster Cult released an album called, “Agents of fortune”. (Don’t fear) the Reaper, immediately became a huge hit. Although the lyrics were up for debate, the writer and singer, Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser, claims the song is about eternal love and the inevitability of death. When I first heard the song years ago, I can’t honestly say as I gave it much thought. I liked it the moment I heard it but there wasn’t anything that resonated with me.

Until now.

We spend our days functioning under the guise we have time. Yet with each passing day we’re one step closer to our demise. Willfully ignorant of our own mortality. And we have to be, right? I mean, the concept of death is quite depressing, right?….or is it?

What if the Reaper, as dark, threatening, and imposing as that figure is, what if the Reaper isn’t the mark of an end but the precursor to a beginning? What if new life can’t begin without a final and proper ending? What if the ending of something is more critical, more important than it’s beginning? What if we’ve been looking at the concept of death and the Reaper all wrong?

I’ve heard of some that have claimed to not fear death. Seen examples of it portrayed in movies. Met a man that was happy to be dying. This song even implores people not to fear death. But what would that really look like, I wonder? Would the embrace of death mean a denial of life? Or would the understanding of the process demand the embrace of it? For life to exist, what if the seed to it that is planted, tended to, and cultivated isn’t possible without death? Perhaps death IS the new beginning?

Old things are wiped away and the Reaper will have his due. Can’t stop him or slow him down. Why try? Why not embrace his grasp when you feel his reach, whisper softly into his ear, “Way it goes“…feel the wisp of smoke fill the room…and fall into the abyss…

Nothing to fear with new beginnings. New beginnings bring excitement and anticipation of what is good. We know this. It’s talked about, sung about, written about, and encouraged.

The click click click of the chamber as it spins in Russian Roulette. Calling, beckoning the Reaper to take the payment and start a new once again.

So I ask….WHY do we fear the Reaper?

The Reaper, who comes to free that which is caged. The Reaper, who reclaims that which is lost. The Reaper, that restores the balance once again to it’s rightful order. The Reaper, who wipes the slate clean and offers a place for that which is new. The Reaper, who clears the way for new life, new birth, the vindication for all that is wrong, a proper end that provides this world with its much needed Justice.

Actions cease. Words are silenced. Abuse is ended. With one swift swing of his sickle.

Peace be still and accept that which is given. Let the old flesh rot and whither away…covered by the grace of the Reaper. Mourn for the loss of nothing. Only welcome that which will begin. The beauty of new pages, new chapters, filled with new memories and the feel of fresh ink.

All that is new comes from that which is gone. From the beginning of time, it’s a cycle that never ends. To all which lies before us and that which remains in the past, much thanks to the Reaper who made it possible. You have my attention. Bring it. I have come to relish your existence and I will bathe in the work of your hands.

Through fire and pain I have come. Gathered myself from that which was undone. Mercy given and I’m redeemed. Oh the adulation I feel with your presence. I don’t fear you.

 

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