A History With Monsters

I grew up with them.

They would keep me awake long after seeing them.

I would scream at their deformed shapes,

their sinister looks,

and the way they carried themselves,

gave fear a new meaning in my life.

They came from all walks of life,

all sizes, all shapes,

and some would change before my eyes,

while others would see me cringe in total fear.

I want to drink your blood one said to me,

his eyes becoming evil and hypnotic.

Another would crookedly walk in my direction,

a twisted grin on his face,

uttering unintelligible words

as he slowly tried to grab at me.

Another, seemingly innocent and free from harm,

changed his appearance,

becoming hideous, snarling;

his thirst for blood only second,

to nearly ripping my heart from my chest,

and when he missed his opportunity,

he would cry out,

howling his anger to the night’s moon.

There were many creatures that live in the dark,

all of them monsters,

all of them I would believe,

were after only me.

Even now, before I retire this evening,

I will lock all my doors and windows,

have the kerosene nearby,

the garlic on the nightstand,

and my gun loaded with six silver bullets.

Even now, I take no chances.

They are out there;

waiting.