I am a cult survivor.
I am estranged from my six year old son. I see him sporadically. I've written a poem called "The boy who loved monsters." It rhymes and a child can enjoy it as the story of a monster visiting a boy in his room and showing him a different place with a different perspective. It can also be understood as a message to my child when he's an adult.
I grew up in the 1980s and there were a lot of dark children's films. I'm thinking "Labyrinth" or "The Dark Crystal." Seeking someone who would enjoy creating weird looking creatures.
A zoom interview and examples of your work are required before hire.
Page 1
Close both of your eyes and sleep my creep.
Rest unreal and dream surreal.
Of behemoths with claws, dragons without laws, ogres, and mutants and all of their jaws.
Page 2
"Listen," I say with a crooked smile. "I am a monster. Do not be afraid child.
I'm not a Dracula, Frankenstein, or a ghost. I am the brobdingnagian that loves you the most!"
"You're not a giant!" I hear you protest. "Not here, at my home," you hear me confess.
Page 3
"Why should I believe you?" You ask in a flurry.
"Because I can show you." My eyes get all blurry.
You ask if I'm sad and I tell you, "Don't worry. Take my hand." On to the land of monsters we scurry.
Page 4
I show you creatures so small in your sight. I assure them you're friendly to lessen their fright.
I say, "I am a giant and so then are you." "Not really," you say. "Just from their point of view."
I'm proud. Understanding another can be a hard thing to do.
Page 5
You ask what I mean as we jump on a wraith. We fly toward your room with no time to waste.
Page 6
You can't understand now, you will some day. Something so big it's always seen in a new way.
What if down was up and up was down? What if you walked on the sky and flew in the ground?
Page 7
What if you were taught those things and they were all you knew?
What if you were told to fear others with a different view?
I don't have to wonder. Learn from my survival. Sometimes you break yourself while breaking a cycle.
Page 8
Don't just join the believers. Ask questions. You must watch for deceivers.
Actions should match words. Truth matters. Do not follow the herds.
Some monsters are born, some monsters are made. Monstrosity can be disassembled, can be put away.
Page 9
No matter what may happen you determine whether or not you will be broken.
Look for the gray where they teach black and white and keep your mind open.
You must question me too for I am not perfect. I am your monster, I promise it's worth it.
Page 10
We fly in the window and the wraith hisses goodbye. You climb in your bed and you hiss "Goodnight!"
Page 10
"Goodnight beloved child."
Page 11
"Goodnight you big monster!"
Page 12
Put your ear to your pillow.
Page 13
Listen for the beat of your subconscious.
Page 14
In monster land your dreams would grow out of your ear like a willow.
Page 15
As you drift off and when you wake up remember this lesson.
Page 16
The teachers, rules, laws and parents all must be questioned.