The Listening

no. 32: monster

Did you feel it?

Did you feel it when you hurt me?

The way he hurt you?

Did you feel anything when I said no?

Did you feel it when I said I was too drunk?

Did you feel it when you made me do it,

Did you feel how it made me feel?

Or did you get your power back?

I hope you're happy.

You got your power back.

Now you're the same as the man who hurt you.

I hope you're happy.

Now you can go about your life unafraid.

Because you used to be scared of monsters.

Don't worry - I remember.

I remember all the pain you went through,

All those sleepless nights you had,

Sweat-soaked sheets, drenched from your nightmares,

That's all mine now.

You got your power back.

You made sure your pain was given away.

But we're different, you and I.

See, I received that pain,

And instead of doing what you did,

I decided that no one should ever feel that way,

Least of all by my hand.

You used to be scared of monsters in the streets,

But I hope you're brave enough to look at the monster in your mirror.