We Watch

We watch
helpless
as demons enter
and overtake
stealing our loved ones
robbing us
of love
and family

Like marionettes
controlled
by invisible strings
they dance
to a different beat
searching
surrendering
they begin to disappear

We reach
trying to sever
the invisible line
to free them,
set them loose
the child,
the lover,
the friend

The demons snicker
as they steal away souls
and separate us
feeding on sorrow
sadness, and fear
their thirst
never quenched
always wanting more

The shadow knows
where light prevails
hope is never lost
and so we pray
and continue on
waiting and watching
for a shimmer
in the invisible line

Once revealed
the line is severed
offering freedom
if chosen
we wait
and watch
and try
loving all the while

For some
a reunion
embraces
long-withheld
given freely
healing commences
on the road
of return

For others
tears fall
the fight
ongoing
a battle
between darkness
and light
the eternal struggle

It is not fair
the pain and hurt
deep and real
like a knife
sharpened and honed
to peel and pare
extracting one
from another

Yet, we wait
never conceding
we strive
and shine
a beacon of love
we sit and pray,
and with hope
we wait, and we watch

© Leslie C Dobson

If you liked this poem, you can find additional ones on the poetry page of Leslie’s website.