The Monster Caged Poem by Thomas Ware

I make threats,
And no one listens,
But I don't think they understand

The beast inside.

There's a beast inside chained,
Sitting quietly,
Doesn't want to be let out yet.

It used to rage at the bars of its cage,
Thrashing, escaping often.
But I tamed it.

Beat it with the whips and sticks
Of humility and doubt,
Guilt and despair,
Self-loathing, shame, and depression.

And now I warn people,
Of the beast inside,
And they act like I'm a fool.

You're the fool if you don't recognize the signs,
Anger reaching up,
Pulling.

But constraint is a habit now,
Even when I need it least,
It holds me in check.

I was afraid of my beast,
Scared of the hurt it could cause.
Now I see its use,
And marvel.

I make threats,
A cry for help,
'Don't do this, don't unleash the beast, '
They disregard.

Soon they will feel my pain,
Soon they will feel how I felt in those latter days,
Soon they will lie in a bed,
Waiting to heal,
Burning for revenge.
Unless they listen and cease.