Monster

upon a pedestal, an altar, if you will
stands one not so pleasant
a being both vile and infantile
it glowers, it commands, it needs

I bring it worth, power, accolade
I lavish it with attention, love, worship
an insatiable fire it is, always burning, never warming
it consumes, it destroys, it burns

it continues to vie for dominance
a contender is in the shadows
with a smile he gently beckons me to him
but the monster screams its displeasure and I quail

when the beast is unawares I glance toward the shadows
I see the man and there is something about him
a warmth, a comfort, a power unlike the monster
a love inexplicable radiates about him

the monster catches me looking
his rage is unquenchable
he grabs my neck and reminds me
all I need is him

suddenly it is clear to me
this monster, this beast, this cruelty
feeds on me, on my needs, on my fears
he demands and I acquiesce

a wave of realization, a curtain drawn back
the monster's mirth is cruel and dark
he removes his mask
the monster is me