Poem: The Monster in Me

I keep it locked up inside
So that the fear subsides

I don't grow angry
for the fear
I won't recognize me.

She grips the cage bars
and quietly meets my gaze
as she pleadingly looks up at the stars.

It's that other side,
that I so dearly secretly hide.
She will never be free,
It's the monster in me.

I've tossed the key
and thrown it away,
I'll never let her out to play.
You'll never see
the monster in me.

A few battles were fought,
but sadly, she was caught.

A heart of love beat her to the core,
for the monster in me,
was nevermore. 

-Ariana R. Cherry 2013