Commune, growing, side by side, one for all.
Bonded by burden and responsibility,
years spent in pattern,
when one should fall,
another will rise.

When times were worst we stood firm
and held up the weight of the world.
Strength in numbers bound us closer as one,
In unity.

Then, a change. A shadow. A beast. A claw comes forth.
Hesitates, we knew not why.
It strikes, it had taken aim.

One of us taken hold.
Their tight grip was broken and sent screaming into the sky.

Those closest to them, fear had left them frozen,
Only could reach out and cry.
Another victim chosen, seemingly at random,
All that could be thought was why.

It felt like hours to watch them suffer,
How am I still here? Our numbers have narrowed,
So much, it's so wrong, unjust, and cruel.
What have we done to deserve this fate.

I could not imagine why I was not chosen,
How I had been spared from this.
Was I set aside for when the thing returns,
or was I left as someone better?

Who had the right to choose?
What had set us apart?
If the aftermath had answers,
I could not bear to search for,
The pain and loss too much to take.

Those closest to them, fear had left them frozen,
Only could reach out and cry.
Another victim chosen, seemingly at random,
All that could be thought was why.

In due time the beast came back for us.
One by one uproot the ones we love.
Somehow I remain a witness.
Pluck!