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Frenemies

You’re not as bad as I thought

By Ryan BurkeyPublished 2 years ago • Updated 2 years ago • 2 min read
Runner-up in Dialogue Poetry Challenge

Boy:

Not again. Please — I beg you!

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Monster:

What?

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Boy:

Take the night off. Find something else to do!

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Monster:

But I have nowhere else to go! And no one else to scare!

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Boy:

Surely there are other children whom you can frighten out there!

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Monster:

I suppose…but you and I have a history together.

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Boy:

I know. I wish I didn’t have to remember.

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Monster:

Every night, your dad tucks you into bed and turns out the light. Then you pull the covers over your head and hide. Knowing I’ll jump out and give you a fright.

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Boy:

It’s maddening, how much glee you get from scaring a boy.

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Monster:

It never gets old, this feeling of joy!

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Boy:

Don’t you know it’s not right to terrorize a child?!

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Monster:

Yes, but I’m a monster, I’m meant to be intimidating and wild!

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Boy:

I wish you’d go back under the bed and never reappear.

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Monster:

But then you’d sleep peacefully and have nothing to fear! And I’d be out of a job!

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Boy:

Well, one day I’ll grow up and won’t be afraid of you anymore!

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Monster:

Then I’ll pick another innocent at whom to scream and roar.

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Boy:

Yes. Find someone else to torment and spook!

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Monster:

But if I move on to another house and kid, what will become of you?

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Boy:

I’ll finally be able to sleep with the lights off! But I will be a little sad.

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Monster:

Because we won’t share the moments and conversations we once had…

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Boy:

True. Although you scare me, I do enjoy talking to you. Each night you keep me company until fall asleep I do.

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Monster:

And in the end, pleasant dreams you always have. Despite the mean, old monster under your bed.

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Boy:

Yeah. It turns out you’re not as bad as I thought.

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Monster:

I might look dangerous and fearsome, but deep down I’m really quite soft.

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Boy:

Maybe we can be friends, then?

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Monster:

Sure thing, I think we can.

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Boy:

You promise not to scare me again?

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Monster:

No more scary antics. I promise, my new friend.

childrens poetryFriendship

About the Creator

Ryan Burkey

PNW native. Government analyst by day and a writer, song-writer and musician by night. Writing topics include nature, faith, relationships, and social commentary. Hobbies are traveling, coffee shop vibes, food, and comedy.

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    Written by Ryan Burkey