Gunmetal Grey
I get to start again
I have always seen the monsters under the bed
I have to
to survive
you don't tell people about their monsters
I learn that early
they get angry hit punish send away
and anyhow they leave you even if they love you
when I am alone
we play
the monsters and I
they are so happy to be seen
they cry often
why doesn't he love me?
why won't she hold me?
why does he throw me out?
why?
I hold them
dry their tears
cuddle them
wrap them warmly
they cheer up
and play
they never forget
they alert
their person is near
they rush back
sometimes one rejected
returns with seven friends
hoping to storm the person
that doesn't work
the monsters never lose hope
never
sometimes I see
a person see their monster
let it be conscious
the person is grown enough
to love
I am so used to the monsters
I work with them in clinic
visit after visit
the monsters weeping on my lap
while the person refuses refuses refuses
and sometimes a crack opens
like a portal light blinding
and the monster
is loved
that's why I am here
what makes it worth staying
Beloved
now I think
I am new again
it's hard to date
when the monsters are yanking at my skirt
crying howling distracting
and I am hopeful
but it is not my role
it's not ok
it's antisocial
to ask about the monsters
I am new again
I won't date anyone with monsters
that I can see
they must love them first
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