The Monster Above the Boy's Bed

Boom! I am a monster, bellowed the monster above the bed

     I am not afraid, says the boy with dry eyes

But it's my job to scare you, says the monster

     Who gave you this job? Asks the boy

My creator, answers the monster. He made you, too.

     Why? Asks the boy

So I would have someone to scare, answers the monster

     Who did He make first, me or you? Asks the boy

Me, of course, huffs the monster. I am mighty. I am older and bigger than you.

     But you do not scare me, says the boy. Your job is useless.

Why do you not fear me? Asks the monster

     Because He spoke to me, this Creator, answers the boy

When? Asks the monster

     When you turned my home into dust and mixed it with my blood, answers the boy

What did He tell you? Asks the monster

     He said once I have seen who is stronger than you, I should not fear you, says the boy

Who is stronger than me? Huffs the monster

     Him, cries the boy


Lilas Taha is a novelist, winner of the 2017 International Book Awards  and is the author of Shadows of Damascus and Bitter Almonds.