By a Thread

I got a phone call bearing news
Of an untimely death.
It seems a former colleague, in his sleep,
Took his last breath.

We worked together many years;
He hadn't yet retired.
Yet now his lease on life
Has prematurely been expired.

It makes you realize life is short.
Of course we know that, still,
We don't expect that sudden drop
Before we crest the hill.

But we can never be prepared
For our Grim Reaper date;
So we're reminded we should live
Before it is too late.

One minute you are full of plans
And suddenly, you're dead.
We forget that every day,
We're hanging by a thread.

Receiving news about a death
Feels just like being slapped.
It makes me think about that thread,
Just waiting to be snapped.