In the beginning…

They had dominion over us

They conjured fear, suspicion, and misery in every household

Their battalions far outnumbered our armies

Until we learned of their weaknesses

So we thought…

For just as we conquered one

They inflicted another

Now, what is this malady

That keeps lovers at bay?

Insiduous and vile

Predator of the flesh

Anguish and alienation

In whose path it crosses

Consumes until just the soul remains