Since then, five score and more -- days, months, even years;
Three -- four? -- lifetimes’ of memories to feel.
Five score and more, always fighting myself and my fears;
Five score and more yet! before I finally admit defeat and kneel.

Perhaps, still, five score and more before I am finally put to rest.
Perhaps three heartbeats instead is all I’ll have to wait.
Until then -- life, death, existence itself I’ll put to the test!
A test to engulf those I love along with those dear ones I hate.

Hate -- it is a strong emotion to burn inside,
But burn it shall! Until, like the flame, it burns itself out;
Yesteryear I wept for the want of a place to hide:
Tonight, one thing is certain beyond any doubt --

I will watch the rivers run red with mortal blood
Watch all men, women and children be burned to smouldering ashes
Watch all goodness be drowned in the inferno’s sweet flood
Watch man turn against man, raise a hand in forty and one lashes --

Whilst you...

Yes, you, your eyes opened wide
Look up to the heavens; watch the nearing tide --
As my bloody banner unfurls
Know that tonight I am Death.
Destroyer of Worlds.

*****

NB: The forty and one lashes refer to the Bible verse warning against giving a man more than forty lashes, as that will dehumanise him.