The Monster

The Monster

by Jodi Stephenson


The Monster rises to begin the day
Meticulously plotting, devising schemes
The Monster becomes vicious when it can’t have its way
It strikes when its victims are wounded and weak
The Monster is bitter and full of hate
It devours everything in its path
It has no tolerance for mistakes
Which only serve to trigger its wrath

Do not try to reform The Monster
For it lashes out at the slightest correction
It expresses no remorse while lambasting the multitudes
For it thinks it has achieved total perfection
It seethes with jealousy at others successes
It delights in their adversity
Blaming everyone and everything for its own messes
Spewing its strange brand of perversity

Control drives the mind and will of this pitiful fiend
It’s appetite is only sufficed by abuse 
Constantly speaking in tones that are petty and demeaning
For which there is never any acceptable excuse
We dare not imagine we are worthy adversaries
Or better yet, contenders
For we will always be outnumbered, considered the enemies
There are too many who will rise to defend it

How can society defeat The Monster
How can we dodge the arrows of this fool
For The Monster is all encompassing
Invading the workplace, our homes and our schools
We can’t wish it away, ignore it, or even try to rise above
There is only one way to defeat The Monster
There is only one answer, it is love