War

Like two neighboring countries
Friendly, gracious
We lay, side-by-side
And shared the same moon, the same sun
The same sky.
Exchanging service for service,
Entwining cultures.
Our trades were of confidences,
Our wares, whispered sweet nothings.

And then--war.
You broke our peace, as you broke me.
The past exchanges--betrayals.
Your emissaries--foul spies.
Ravaging my secrets,
And laying to waste my properties.
Exploiting me to the surrounding continent.
The shelter of your embrace lost
In a call to arms.