the three r's

"retreat, retreat, retreat," she said,
galloping swiftly past me,
"the greater enemy is rounding the corner,
and it is ready to seize your every atom,
leaving nothing left,"

retreat, retreat, retreat, i did,
but not quickly enough -
the greater enemy consumed me,
thorny vines wrapping around my wrists,
squeezing me tightly,
breathing constricted
until there was no breath left -

retreat, retreat, retreat, i should have -
the fear had filled me from the start
one day we all knew
the castle would come crumbling
to its heart

retreat, retreat, retreat,
but now it is too late
the life i had has disappeared
and all that is left
are the ruins for display