Yes, There Really Are Monsters

The content of this poem is semi-graphic, so please be aware of that before you read....... Yes, There Really Are Monsters Growing up as a child, I never wanted to sleep alone. Fearful of the isolated darkness and mostly the unknown. “Mommy is there monsters?” a question I would commonly ask. “Only on Halloween my dear, the ones we see in masks” Still not satisfied with her answer, I questioned her more. Asking her the same old thing as I did the night before. Frustrated and exhausted, she took me by my little hand. Looking under my bed, in my closet; even the night-stand. “So see my daughter the monsters are only in your head.” “It’s time to get some sleep Stacy Lynn, now do as I have said.” Respecting mommy's wishes; my little body trembling with fear. Wishing the hour was morning, praying for “him” not to appear. But as darkness faded, an uncomfortable silence fell about. I could hear the monster stirring, preparing to come out. Hoping the noises I heard, were my brothers fooling around. Pulling covers tightly over my head; praying not to be found. Footsteps getting closer, the monster is at the foot of my bed. I hear his heavy breathing; this is not at all what mommy said. Quietly lifting covers back, he lays down in the bed beside me. Touching, groping and mauling; covering my eyes so I can't see. He took away my childhood and my trust and self-esteem. A pleading child without a voice, invisible as it would seem. "So yes my daughter there are monsters, everywhere we look." Stating as I remembered my childhood and everything he took.