I lay there in the hospital as I took my final breath. I woke up in an empty void—I was face to face with death.

The reaper said, “I’m sorry, but you know the way this goes.” I laughed and thought of the legacy that he didn’t seem to know.

I said, “In case you haven’t heard, I’m quite the betting man, and I need to stay alive because I know damn well I’m damned.

“I challenge you to a competition—A duet before I’m due. I’ve got my fiddle made of solid gold and I know I’m better than you!”

He said, “I take your challenge, but I highly doubt you’ll win.” Then I smiled as I told him, “I’m the best there’s ever been.”

—

I played “Fire on the Mountain.” Run, boys, run!

Reaper’s in the House of the Rising Sun!

Chicken in the bread pan, picking at dough!

Granny, will your dog bite? No, child, no!