Undermined

Out of the darkness they crept, slithering across floors cold and dusty.

I am not alone.

And one by one, in numbers great and small, they took the life from me.

I was but the few.

From their deeds, that took without greed, all that I had cherished.

I feared great loss.

But up from those, who took from me, their battle they have lost.

I am but many.

And now have claimed all that I am, and all that will ne’er be taken again.

I have won . . .

                  The battle done . . .

                                           My life is my own to keep.