are you a man

 

or a monster? 

Are you a monster?

Because a monster is a being who causes unforgettable pain. Who creates a void of fear within people’s hearts and minds. Who steals from others the innocence of being a child.

You are a monster.

With your devilish smile and your disastrous black hair. The way you look at others is enough to cause their hearts to tremble and beat faster. Wherever we went, you were always the one being watched, as if you could strike at any moment and we would all fall for it.

You are a monster.

You haunt me every night. The darkness of your memory is found everywhere. You leave ghostly marks on all the cutlery, daunting echoes heard everywhere and the temperature drops whenever I realise you’re there. But are you really there? Or is it just a memory? But neither of those feel right . . . Perhaps it is the truth that only your ghost remains. Perhaps that’s the coldest object there is.

You are a monster.

You’re always there. Yet you’re not. I feel your touch on my skin, your voice in my head and the cold feeling of your stare. Though when I turn around, it’s empty. It’s always been so empty since you left.

You are a monster.

You’re ruthless. You loved me in a way no one else possibly could and I was helpless against this sorcery. I fell for you, so far down into the pit of your care. Even then, you did not help me up, rather, you pushed me down further into your lovely grasp. And I did not complain, you’ve poisoned me with your sweet nothings that made your abandonment all the scarier.

You are a monster.

You hold no mercy towards your victims. You were once like a crackling fire within my heart, I cherished and covet your love. But as the seasons pass, you grew colder until you were nothing but ashes. You stopped warming the fire in my chest when you began to leave me. Now you’ve stopped loving me and all that’s left of you and your love is a few dead branches in an abandoned fireplace.

You are a monster.

But you will always be my monster.

You loved me when everything fell apart. In my worst moments, you were there to remind me that I am worth something. That I am worth something as precious as your love. You spoiled me with your loving words that I had heard every so often. Words that made me realise the beauty in my world that was you.

You were ruthless and liberal in your love.

And even if you loved me, you will always be a monster.

Even if you left me, you will always be mine.

by Dominique, Year 8 (458 words)