This was sparked, of all things, by a Hallowe’en mask

Masking

I tipped my hat to Death today -
and smiled.
It’s been a while -
at one time we were close,
But I strode, limping slightly
In another direction.
That which does not
May be biding its time.

A chilly stone in my chest
Pressed me back, to hide beneath,
But I tilted my head back,
Lifted my hat,
A ghost of a nod,
A sliver of a smile.
You shouldn't burn your bridges.

He strode on.
Couldn’t tell where his gaze was fixed,
Even in those dark times
I might have mistaken his intentions,
After all.

Today I didn’t bow,
Just tipped a wink,
And strode off,
Not even looking over my shoulder,
Hugging history,
Content to let death
Be just another mystery.

I’m not entirely convinced by the rhyming-couplet ending, but the emotion of the whole thing makes me smile...