“There are very few monsters who warrant the fear we have of them.”
~Andre Gide
I remember when I was 7 years old and my parents told me to go to bed. I can recall pulling back my blankets and clearing everything in the path from my bed all the way to the light switch. You never knew what could trip you up the moment you flipped the switch and total darkness surrounded you. I can remember that heart stopping moment when I ran from my light switch and leapt in to my bed just hoping that nothing grabbed my little feet and dragged me away. I was like a cartoon character whose feet never touched the ground. A hop here, a scurry there and an eventual leap all in superfast motion and I was safe…at least until I had to use the restroom and that was a whole new adventure. Even at 36 my heart sometimes still stops as I flip the switch and head to bed. Oh how the monsters from childhood still haunt me now.
Monsters come in many shapes, forms and oddities. We each have our own fears and monsters. They range from the fairy tale trolls to real tragedies that have affected are lives. Some of us are even our own personal monsters. Today we want to hear about some of your monsters. You don’t have to reveal the stuff you wish not to. You can just tell a story with your poem. Maybe take your pen and expose a little bit of the Edgar Allen Poe in you or let the big bad wolf win one for once.
We look forward to reading your words about monsters but just give us a moment to pull back the covers and to make sure that the path is clear to our beds before you turn out the light.
If you have a prompt idea (even a Music or Film inspired one) that you would like to suggest or share with us please send it to poetsunited@ymail.com . We keep a folder set aside with all your suggestions and just might use it one day.
There 3 simple rules:
1. Don’t link to more than 3 poems per week.
2. Please visit some of the other poems linked here when you link to yours.
3. Leave a comment after you have posted your link.
I was going to re-post THIS ONE but I think most of you have already seen it. Instead, I posted one about an all-too-common type of monster.
ReplyDeleteIt is as if you knew I had this photo and awaited a reason to write about it. Thank you!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kimnelsonwrites.com/2011/04/28/condemned/
about a monster of sorts:
ReplyDeletehttp://bttrflyscar.blogspot.com/2011/04/in-midst.html
Have you read the kid's book 'There's a Nightmare in My Closet' by Mercer Mayer? It's sooooo very good.
ReplyDeleteMonsters? Most Republican politicians will do. But my monster of the day is Donald Trump. :)
ReplyDeleteSorry, I screwed up the Trump link. Let me try that again: Donald Trump
ReplyDeleteI agree, some 'real' monsters (Donald Trump?)are quite enough!
ReplyDeleteOne from my book.
ReplyDeleteRinkly, glad to hear you agree. :)
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, some people might accuse my husband Mark and me of being monsters on the dance floor. :) Couple On The Move.
Poets United,
ReplyDeleteMy 'monster', is one which I have encountered during my days as a nurse in Belfast.
I often think of him.
Eileen
this was a fun prompt. thank you.
ReplyDeletethe ultimate monster under every bed
ReplyDeleteMy monster has joined in everywhere today! LOL
ReplyDeleteI wrote this before I saw the prompt, but I thought it fit.
ReplyDeleteit's definitely the monster we don't see that scares us the most...
ReplyDeletealso the monster living inside of ourselves
Ever wondered how mad men are created? Here's the surest way..tried and tested.
ReplyDeleteAh shame am not good at this. Going to visit though!
ReplyDelete;)
Monsters, we gotta love us.
ReplyDeleteGood prompt and I love the picture of the monster under the bed! So many monsters.
ReplyDeletesheesh, who knew we had so many monsters. figured i'd go ahead and link my most monstrous poem. oh, maybe most monstrous poem with the word monster actually in it. i have other pretty monstrous poems. okay that is all.
ReplyDeleteNice theme! I used to be really afraid of them until very late age. I was afraid maybe until I stopped valuing existence, in fact.
ReplyDeleteI had posted this poem for A to Z Blogging Challenge on "M" is for Monsters.
ReplyDeleteIf you need a sure fire way to handle a monster who bothers you in the middle of a dark, dark night, read my poem!
the monsters in my mind from my mirror's point of view... thanks for the brilliant prompt. :)
ReplyDeleteThis prompt had so many facets, I believe we all found our personal demons and faced them down. Poetry is a perfect vehicle for putting these demons under a microscope, where suddenly, you realize how small they are. Amy
ReplyDeletehttp://sharplittlepencil.wordpress.com/2011/05/04/precipice/