Swapping with the Monster

You come and go as you please. You love the surprise

and the grimace on my face when I realize

I’m being mean and cruel for no reason.

I don’t always recognize you—you’re subversive and sly.

Disguised as a simple annoyance, a whim, a mood,

you make yourself at home and wait for a chance to strike:

when I’m with a loved one or at my happiest.

Let’s switch, beast. I’ll be the fiend that feeds the fear

you constantly carry in the back of your mind.

Maybe I’ll take up residence in a nook you haven’t decluttered in a while.

But don’t worry, I’ll pay rent for it — I’ll feed you

apathy, pride, envy, and regret.

I’ll then package it all in poetry; you’ll think you’re deep and shit

while I remorselessly fuel your pain-body.

But I’m not like you. The Light in me, the Presence, would try

to understand you, where you come from, and the suffering

you conceal. Serenely,

I’d ambush you with care and understanding.

I’d let you untangle your want for attention and revenge,

your need to act out when things don’t go your way,

when you don’t receive what you’re entitled to.

I’d humbly dilute your heartache with tenderness.

Does that sound good? Let’s swap.

© 2021 Lola Sense

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