Monsters

This week's Sunday Scribblings prompt is Monsters.

Monsters? Yes, I have known a few. More intimately than I care to remember. Some of them went to mental hospitals; one of them went twice. Some of them are dead now, and I've tried to make my peace. Some I don't know where they are, and I fear they still lurk in the shadows out there, waiting for the next unwary young girl. There are nights still, where they show up in my dreams; and nights when I stay up to keep them away. Mostly, I just try to keep thoughts of them at bay. They have less power that way.

The thing about monsters, that I've tried to remember - they weren't born that way. They were made. But monstrosity is highly contagious. The infection will spread if you don't take precautions.

Every one of them I've known - and as I've said, I've known a few -- every one of them was made. They are more to be pitied, than feared--no matter what they do to make you afraid--if you hold onto your soul, then you'll come out virtually unscathed.

They've lost their souls to the infection, long ago; that's why they want to feed on yours. They know they are missing something deep inside, but they no longer know what was once there.  The monsters were made when they let someone else eat their soul. Now they would have you join them at the table, as both the guest of honor and entree at the feast.

When they try to make you join them, you must hold firm to the seat of your soul. Even as they cut you open; you must refuse to let them feed. That is monster biology and monster math - they divide others, so they can multiply.

If you reach deep inside yourself, find your soul's hand, and hold onto it tight, they can't really touch the real you. You'll remain undivided. Your soul will see to it then, that they won't multiply. 
The chain will be broken; but you won't be. Hold fast to your soul's hand; don't let go. Eventually they will tire of their hunger; and stagger off into the night for easier game.

Then, when it's safe - if you can -- drag them out into the light. This won't be easy. Monsters will fight to stay in the shadows, where they can hide what they've become. But hold tight to your soul's hand, and pull with all your might. You'll emerge victorious if you believe; if you've hung on tight to your soul's hand throughout the fight.

Now do your best to prevent others from being exposed to the infection. Quarantine them. Drive a stake into the ground; post a sign above their heads: Here there be monsters. They will writhe in the sunlight; and you'll see how truly pitiful they are--you will feel both avenged and purged from their poison words and deeds. You can leave them lying there in the brightness of the light, to be purified or extinguished.  After that, the fight is between them and the Light.

Whatever their fate may be, it's not yours to worry about anymore.  Hold on tight to your soul's hand, and walk on with your life. Remember though, ever after, to take Universal precautions to prevent the spread of the Monstrous infection (lest you be a carrier), by staying in the Light. That is my anecdotal antidote for monsters.

See Sunday Scribblings  to read more about Monsters.

Comments

[Paris Parfait]

Terri, such an excellent analogy of monsters and how they came to be monsters - and how we can keep them from infecting us. It's so true that forcing them into the light makes their power diminish. Wonderfully-written piece!

[bella]

This is a great take, I imagine it has to be connected with your work? Thank you so much for your comment on my struggle with smoking. The more support and cheers I recieve, I hope the fear of stopping will ease up.

[Daisy Lupin]

I love the idea of holding tight to your soul while dealing with monsters and dragging them into your life. We do really, as you say, have to hold tight to our souls in situations that are dangerous to us. Wonderful posting.

[tinker]

Bella - I was just thinking about this, this morning during my long commute -- worrying that it could be misinterpreted. No, even though there are a few who have been dually diagnosed (this means they have another diagnosis in addition to their developmental disabilities - such as schizophrenia or depression) I would NOT classify any of the people I work with as monsters. Ever. Far from it. Nor do I mean to imply that mental illness makes one a monster. And I recognize even the people I AM talking about, who chose to perpetuate or even instigate unhealthy situations - they were human. But I put monster masks on them as a youngster, and what I'm trying to do in my own clumsy way here, is to rip off their monster mask and reveal the pitifully frightened and angry little humans that hid behind those masks, and take back any power they once held to frighten me. I'm sorry I wasn't more clear.

[samantha]

You hit the nail on the head, my dearest Tinker. Monsters HATE the light, it makes them howl. If you dance around them and whisper facts, simple things like "Two plus two is four" and scientific formulas, you can almost bet their heads will explode.

This is fantastic writing. I hope it healed something within -

[melba]

Yes I think monsters get their power from our fear.I called my step mother my step monster my whole life and when I first heard this topic I thought about writing about her. But I have already given her enough of my time. The less I think of her the less powerful she is. I use to have night mares all the time, but since I have started blogging and sort of purged those feelings I can't remember the last time I had a night mare. Her parents were so nice to us (me and my siblings) so I always wondered why she was the way she was and still is. But I do agree something had to happen to her because I KNOW we are born in light and to be loving...

[Imelda]

Tinker, I found this a very powerful and deep piece. I love that "holding of the soul's hand" - what a concept. You have found a very true way of dealing with monsters. Thank you.

[TwilightSpider]

I think that you achieved what you set out to - humanizing the "monster". Well done.

[Gemma]

Staying in the light is excellent advice.