It

It starts off small,

Smaller than a drop of water

You will barely even notice it

But it grows,

Soon it can sit on your shoulder

Like a parrot on a pirate.

"Don't mind me," it'll say

"I'll be gone in a few days."

But it stays and grows

Like a companion, it will be by your side

Like a stalker, it will be unwanted

In the end it will be bigger and stronger

More than you can imagine

"You've been good to me,"

"Always kept me well fed."

It surrounds you now,

Extending its arms.

Long pointy fingers, grasp your neck

Tighter...

...tighter

Hard to breathe now

The grip gets tighter.

One last breath.