The Giant Who Became A Monster Poem by Curtis Johnson

The Giant Who Became A Monster
By Curtis Johnson

So long ago, it had been slowly but surely tucked away.
Though reluctantly at first, it was clearly packed away to stay.
This giant once had a hold on me, but I managed freedom one day.

I was free at last from the power of its sway, as its pain to my soul diminished.
From a young lad through my teens, it flowed and glowed with peace and promise.
But as I approached my twenties, I found a replacement and that giant at last was finished.

The years flew rapidly by, and my life took off on a happy path, so meaningful and so true.
My inner spirit took wings and flew from North to South, to East and lastly, settled in the West.
Though all in between there were some years embraced by tears, I was never shackled by fear.

Through it all, it was clear, there was much more in life that gave abundant reasons to cheer.
God made ways appear where there once was none, and my family so dear was always near.
The foundation on which I stood was strong; we were not alone; God was there to help us bare.

But then suddenly from afar, the giant that was tucked away so carefully, and packed away to stay, reappeared to me. After 35 years, I encountered the giant that once had a hold on me. She came back from a distance, and I discovered that she was still a part of me.I had shaken loose from her hold, because it became clear to me that our future was worlds apart. But indeed, the giant returned, and I so quickly felt powerless to rebuke the emotion that would clearly reignite the pain and drive my world insane. Like an inappropriate magnet, we were being drawn toward each other. Only, not like before, the giant had no right to me nor I to her. But she kept moving toward the core of me, and though I recognized and did not fear the giant, still I knew that she had monstrous qualities detrimental both to me and my family. Many years ago we both went our separate ways, and we have developed different minds during the passage of time.

O giant one, may I ask, why did I not hear the sound of your rumbling?
O ancient one, please tell me, why did you depart from your abode?
O mysterious one, may I ask, why did I not see you coming?

O ancient one, for so many years you were out of my life.
O ancient one, I ask, from where did you come?
O ancient one, how did you rise from afar?

To the monster I said, “Prudence demands that we must remain far apart”.
To an old friend I said, “No relationship between us must ever be restarted.
So the giant, who became a monster, and I agreed cordially, and I departed.

Only God and time will give me real answers, I suppose. I do know that one must exercise vigilance and thrive to be bold. To avoid infiltration, the doors to my heart must be securely closed. And all threats to my marriage and family must be swiftly disposed. cj021608