The Forces of theDark

The Forces of the Dark are ever watchful.
They creep stealthily by, 
Unnoticed, they slowly spread their poison,
their noxious acid eroding 
the buttresses of gentle caring.
The Forces of the Dark show smiling faces,
offer welcoming hands. 
They mouth sweet fairy tales 
while their henchmen build blockades,
erect barriers, set traps.
They work swiftly to prevent kindness and love 
from seeping in and gaining a hold. 
A caressing arm, an embrace they abhor.
The Forces of the Dark hate the light 
with an all-consuming passion.
Their emerald jealousy glows with scorching heat.
They puff themselves to hideous heights,
crane giraffe necks to gaze down at me.
My bones ache to the marrow 
from bearing their onslaught.
I shudder with the fear of their sudden appearing.
When I sigh, rejoicing they are gone,
they slyly reappear concealed in new guises.
With all my heart I pray, I pray, I pray
for the day when the Forces of the Dark 
will come no more!