The Beast Poem by Garrett Bradley

When your name is brought up
I wince a little
When you walk my way
I glance then quickly look the other way
For although you may be Helen incarnate
You also may be the devil's daughter

You're beautiful, there's no denying that
But each part of your outside contrasts with your inside
Your warm skin hides your cold heart
Your exquisite face masks your demonic facade

But you shouldn't take all the blame
Besides I fell for you
At first it was amazing
And for a moment I felt bliss
I became drunk with your love
And like an alcoholic I thirsted for more
But you changed
You began to grow distant
And my euphoric dream became a gruesome nightmare

You twisted my emotions
And tore my heart like a paper valentine
I thought leaving you would ease the pain
But it didn't
I still craved you
I still thirsted for you

I was torn from the inside out
I couldn't sleep
I wept instead
But not out of sorrow or depression but of rage
Silently I cursed you for my pain and anger
A beast grew inside of me
It fed on my anger until it finally took control of me

I became unrecognizable to my own eyes
I became an outcast to my family and friends
I secretly plotted your demise
But when it came time to carry out my plan
The love came back
And the beast disappeared

So now I fear to even take a glimpse of you
For I dread that either the beast or the love will return
And I don't know which is worse