When you think of the word monster what comes to mind? Is it a looming bloodthirsty brute with battering rams for fists preparing to flatten all that you know in one fell swoop of apocalyptic destruction? Or a snarling predator with razor-sharp claws and fangs and eyes rumbling with hunger gearing up to dig into its prey, taking out large chunks of flesh with each ferocious bite? What comes to my mind scares me more than any beast driven by impulses or biological needs. This monster is more callous than the most merciless beast and triggers more apocalyptic angst than the largest behemoth. It harbours unparalleled levels of restraint, revelling in the planting of its seeds of destruction and watching them germinate with the glee of a child unboxing presents on Christmas day. It internally froths at the mouth as it awaits the day its careful plans come to fruition but outwardly it is able to conceal its fangs, having the ability to operate covertly, presenting itself as a friend to dupe its victims into a false sense of security. It harbours duality in its potential for destruction as it is capable of both direct confrontations as well as stealth, however, what separates it from the common beast that is capable of similar duality is its intent. The common beast desires physical evidence to determine the success of its attack, this monster instead yearns for a metaphysical collapse, it aims to crush its victim’s soul. It attacks from within the walls, bypassing the pliable outer shell with ease and stabbing the mind and soul, sparking feelings of confusion and anxiety and slips into the cracks that this initial attack creates. As its roots spread through these cracks its poisonous entrails seep out and envelop its target, engulfing them in confusion and complacency and leading them to an existential crossroad with meandering paths destined to meet again at the end. This monster lives within us all, constantly eating away until it is able to fully possess us, masquerading as us in public settings, robbing us of our strength of character and leaving only fear, anxiety and hate.
AAOOA
Comments