Death unexpected... uninvited... and to be sure, unwanted
Invites itself to blend.. to mingle... and then devour
Knowing no boundaries, honoring not the thirst

Taking its very sustenence
From any and all
Leaving them weary and drained
A piece of their very fabric.. stolen.. torn.. irreplaceable
Leaving in its place... wonder... and anger

Questions.. unrequieted and lingering...
Never to be answered... for there is no answer
This thief... this unencumbered taker of worth
Most invisible and silent... and forever lurking

Priding itself at choosing the most unlikely of places
To perpetuate its most inexplicable thievery
Seemingly thriving on the greater surprise
Trading substance... for emptiness
A shallow bargain... in which we have no say

Would that I could... vanquish this beast... this demon
The tears of anger cloud my judgement
And invite a reckless abandon...
That can serve no goodness within me

My heart strives to reflect a happier time
And for brief ebbs... succeeds
Yet, the cold emptiness creeps back
An endless cycle of hopes... and dreams... and cold