I've Learned of Monsters

I’ve learned of monsters, I know them well.

I’ve seen the fiends that crawl through hell.

We paint the pictures, they must be right.

Cloaked in fur that's dark as night.

_

Give them claws to gouge and tear.

Eyes so sinister they still the air.

A furrowed brow to show intent,

A ghostly howl so peace is rent.

_

Stretch their legs, hunch their backs,

Bathe their skin in ashen black.

Watch them skulk and stalk their prey;

Their nature tainted in every way.

_

Horrid things, these animals, these beasts

Whose only purpose is brutal feast.

Mercy vacant in even whim.

That leave no trace, but severed limbs.

_

I’ve learned of monsters, I know them well.

I've seen the fiends that crawl through hell.

We distort the image to hide what's right.

For the truth is such a solemn sight.

_

In light, their features fade to flesh,

Low growls turn to steady breaths.

Claws retracted and spines aligned,

Their language becomes a familiar kind.

_

And in the end, our attempts are crass.

We need only look in mirrored glass.

The masks we've woven all unspin.

The most vile monsters lie within.

/*****************/

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