A Monster in Office
When we were children, scared of the dark,
We used to run to our parents and yell,
“Mommy, Daddy, there’s a monster in our closet!”
Of course, they never believed us, and who would?
Of course there isn’t a monster in your closet!
There’s no reason to be afraid of the dark!
Now, years later, as adults awaiting the results
Of our labor, we run back to our parents and yell,
“Mommy, Daddy, there’s a monster in our office!”
Our parents don’t have to be convinced.
We don’t have to give them proof,
Or whine until they stay with us
To ward off the beasts with their love
This time, they already know
Even so, they still reassure us that a monster
Will not be in office, and that there is still no reason
To fear the dark
They say we’re safe while the monster stalks our home.
They say we’re safe while the monster’s words take lives.
They say we’re safe while the monster from our closets
Moves on to larger prey
And Mommy, Daddy, I’m trying to be brave.
I’m trying to brave through the darkness
But the truth is I am afraid of the dark
I am afraid of the darkness to come,
One which will envelop our home
In a shroud of hatred and despair
I am afraid of who and what will come
In that darkness, what other beasts
And nightmares will come in the monster’s wake
But most of all, I am afraid of the people
Who will follow the monster’s words
As if he were a prophet
I am afraid of the people
Who will take action to destroy
What we’ve worked so hard to build
I am afraid of the people
Who will rise up in this darkness
And turn into beasts themselves
So Mommy, Daddy, please
Don’t leave me alone
In this eternal night
Mommy, Daddy, please rest with me
Until my eyes lose their strength
And let your love protect me as I sleep
Mommy, Daddy, please continue
To see me for who I am and not
For what the monster believes I am
Mommy, Daddy, please don’t leave me
With the thousands of other monsters
Who dare to tear me apart
For as long as I have you
And as long as I love you,
The monster cannot harm us.