Loneliness

It starts off
so small
so measly,
but grows
quicker than my affection
stronger than my foes.
It overwhelms my heart,
mind, body and soul-
unbearably empty
longing to be whole.

Other victims relate
to this ordeal
the threat is substantial
not fantasy but real,
underwritten by many
ignored by few
loneliness only amplifies
my longing for you.