I do not say the right things,

And I have accidentally mastered

The art of awkward silences,

But I am not your monster

I cry, I sulk and weep, and grumble and swear,

There are even times

I could honestly say

“I hate you”

But I am not your monster

Do not bind me

Or burden me

With the millstones

Of my shortcomings

I am not perfect

I am not the all-knowing sage

or

The all-conquering warrior

I am scared

I am lonely

I am miserable

but

I am not your monster …

Artwork by Toby Allen

© Text copyright by Patricia Acevedo 2013