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Open Poetry #47
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Michael
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Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California

0 posted 2011-07-30 03:59 PM


Monster


‘Always thought there was a monster hiding underneath my bed,
Though the light seemed to confirm it was only in my head.
But to me, I couldn’t be sure; the puzzle was missing a piece.
And so I’d lie awake and squirm, for paranoia would not cease.

I used to look behind me, almost everywhere I went.
Though I never really saw it, I could always smell its scent.
And I wondered what it could be to stalk me in sordid game,
But could never seem to outwit it for purchase of a name.

Then idle years of adulthood finally taught me how to cope,
Like a fool finding his folly when handed a piece of rope.
Through life’s path I thought that I could just pretend it was not there,
Or hide from it in melancholy realms of self-induced despair.

But today it finally struck me, like a perfectly aimed brick.
In the mirror all that I see is a sight that makes me sick.
All these years of running from something I could not speak;
Bedeviled by it’s cunning, with never so much as a peak…

Now, before me in the spotlight with not a hint of disguise,
I’m face to face with the monster – a pitiless stare in his eyes.
I can turn but I cannot hide, the vision’s stuck inside my head…
For now I know the monster sleeps ‘the top side of my bed.

*****

I just want to apologize to those I’ve hurt along the way;
For all my actions, or inactions – things I did or did not say…
For the agonies I’ve cased you, hearts left with no way of mending.
I only pray God’s grace may lead you to a much happier ending.


Michael Anderson


Like one that on a lonesome road
Doth walk in fear and dread,
And having once turned round walks on,
And turns no more his head...


Coolridge

© Copyright 2011 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved
ebonygirl
Member Elite
since 2011-07-14
Posts 2000
California U.S.A
1 posted 2011-07-30 05:21 PM


Dear Michael,
Your poem resonates with me.
I too have been the monster you describe.
Finally meeting myself allowed me to take off the mask.
In much appreciation for your poem,
ebonygirl


Paul Wilson
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711
United States
2 posted 2011-07-30 05:21 PM


Michael...All I can say is i'm speachless.
The flow, the little hints you give the reader into your soul, only to leave them wanting more. You are a true master of the spoken word...Paul

~~To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you~~
Paul

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
3 posted 2011-07-30 08:10 PM


I've done my share of groveling as you did in your last verse, or actually it was an afterthought I think. We don';t like to think back and see the faces and staring eyes of those we have wronged throughout the years, but it is ours to see and no one else's. Good write.

~ Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get. ~

Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
4 posted 2011-07-30 08:51 PM


ebonygirl, I think it took meeting God for me.  Either way, it's good to have the mask off.  


Paul, Your words are a true compliment.  My sincerest thanks.

JP, lol, let's just call it directly related groveling.   Who knows what eyes are beholding this.

thank you all,

Michael


Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
5 posted 2011-07-30 11:13 PM


Right to the heart with this one. You have one powerful pen. Wow!
Lori

Marilyn
Member Elite
since 1999-09-26
Posts 2621
Ontario, Canada
6 posted 2011-07-31 09:34 PM


Wow...powerful. It is hard for us to take that step and take a good look at ourselves. Loved this.
tuffluv66
Member
since 2011-05-13
Posts 121
Iowa, U.S.A.
7 posted 2011-07-31 10:08 PM


Very nicely written, it is a wonderful piece.
Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
8 posted 2011-08-01 05:35 PM


Lori, I'm glad you enjoyed this one.

Marilyn, Yup... it's even more astounding when we do it without intention.  Ready or not... here you are!

tuffluv66, Thatk you.  I'm glad you enjoyed it.

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
9 posted 2011-08-05 08:43 AM


I slipped right into memories with the first verse. When I was little, I was convinced there was a monster under my bed and would sneak a flashlight into bed with me... only to hear a "turn that light off NOW" bellow when I'd try to pinpoint his location. *G* It was tough not knowing which side of the bed he'd crawl up. *G* Picture double bed with small girl lying smack dab in the middle, rigid with eyes bulging. LOL Then my sister started sharing my bed and I wanted the monster back... that girl's kicks would put a mule to shame. *G*

But then I yanked my thoughts back to the poem and smiles disappeared... to be replaced by anguish and then admiration... the apology you close with is one of the most beautiful and sincere I've ever read. It didn't just touch my heart... it made me wish I had the courage to do likewise. *S*

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