An old friend evolved into an enemy
and will remain a potential threat.

It comes in many guises
never failing to affect.

Compadre of my youth
we were always together.

Propelling me forward
fuelling my fire.

Who knew it would change
to holding me down,

draining my energy
like some leech of life.

I removed it with care
Sometimes, I still feel it there,

but only slightly.
These days, I'm (al)mostly stress free.