I walked along the shore of the infinite sea

Here in the twilight of my existence

The cold black ocean reaching out for me

Suddenly I see a figure in the distance

A shadowy silhouette

Getting closer and closer

With each and every step

As the air starts getting colder

Beset with a panic in my chest

And a drop of my heart

I call out to my guest

Asking them who they are

"My name is Death.", the figure said

"And I am here to collect."

Death then joined me in my walk

And then the two of us proceeded to talk

"I'm not ready.", I said

"I thought I had more time left.

"Could I maybe stay a few moments more?"

"I am sorry but your time is up.", Death replied

"You have to return to the source."

"I don't want to go!". I pleaded and cried

"I still don't know the meaning of life

"Could you please tell me what it is?"

"I could," said Death

"But let me answer with a question.

"What would that accomplish

"If I gave you the definition?

"What is true for one is false for another

"Everyone is a puzzle, with their own unique pieces

"What fits together for yourself

"May not fit well for someone else."

"If that's the case, how are we supposed to know what to do?

"How do we make sense of this knowing in the end we all have to leave with you?"

"Yes it is true," Death earnestly replied

"I will indeed meet all of you in time

"But knowing your demise is an inescapable fact

"What matters is what you do with the time that you have

"As to what that may be, no one but you can make that choice

"You have to map your own path, find your own voice."

As Death spoke I had a sudden subconscious suggestion

Maybe I could stall my fate

By distracting Death with more questions

"Why do you insist on speaking in such riddles and vague redundant phrases?

"And where is this god that everyone so thanks and praises?"

"I am giving you the clearest answers that I can

"It is entirely on you if you cannot understand

"As for the existence of God, that matters not

"No being dictates how you live your life

"And only I decide how and when you will die

"But you should know you cannot fool me

"I know you are stalling for time."

"You got me." I replied,

"That I will admit

"I just wanted to know what was the point of all this?

"Life just seems like one big joke."

Death paused in silence for a moment then spoke

"Well before we go there is something you should know

"Maybe this will offer you some solace to your query

"And lighten this great burden that you carry

"Life is full of suffering and sadness

"Full of misery and unbridled madness

"Some mitigate this by laughing or singing

"Dancing or romancing, or even just believing

"Life is meaningless

"It is you who must give it meaning

"Ask yourself what is most important to you

"Set yourself a goal, be sure to see it through

"Keep it close to your heart, and always stay true."

I took a moment to ponder Death's response

I looked back at my life, and all I've said and done

All that I've lost and all that I've loved

I had finally found my answer, I knew

"Do you understand now?". Death asked with a grin

"Yes, I think I do."

And with that, our walk came to an end

I had to leave now, never to be back again

Death took my hand and led me into the infinite sea

Out of this state of being

But I had no more fear,

For I had found my meaning