Parasites

They seldom will settle with children
too supple to offer them rest
But oft will the teenager open
some attic for them to infest

They hide in quite sensible houses
are hosted by men thought as sage
in company find camouflages
where comfort they bring to old age

They distance some mothers from daughters
so dreadful their taste for control
and blind the brave eyes of our fathers
while bounteous lore they extol

Beware lest they sneak up in silence
to sap all your faculties dry
they master your poise and your patience
and positive action deny

Their poison can paralyse quickly
grim parasites built on belief
they dwell and devour so completely
that death is your only relief