Play scary monsters, scary monsters
I heard my students chorus.
They all line up
I issue the challenge
Frighten me, come do your worst.
Contortions, screams, twisted faces
Some crawl while attempting to growl
Some rush straight at me
Eyes wide mouths agape.
I laugh more than think of fear.
But one girl stands back.
Her focus is my eyes
She doesn’t move but stands so still
Arms by her side, its her eyes that draw me.
Then knowing she has my attention
She begins a slow walk, each deliberate step
In my direction her eyes never move from mine
Closer and closer she comes until she is a metre away
It is then a faint smile appears,
A sudden chill runs through me.
I feel her presence, my discomfort is clear.
Into my space she moves, perspiration forms on my brow
My inclination is to push her away
She’s far too close
She invades my space.
She pauses inches from my face
Still focused, her hand reaches to my face
I close my eyes
My monster has arrived.
My drama students and I used to play a game called scary monsters. After numerous hilarious efforts we decided the scariest of all was as described above. You don’t have to look any different to be scary; it’s all in the body language.
Written for: https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2015/01/22/tale-weavers-prompt-create-a-monster/
Morpethroad 
I’m glad you gave the explanation. I would not have thought of this. Great story!
Yes I thought I should add that, otherwise it would be rather creepy. Thanks Caerlynn for your comment.
This reminds me of the John Saul books I was addicted to many years ago. The books had names like “Suffer The Children”, etc…Very scary but couldn’t put them down! I’ll the kids had fun with this game. Thanks, Michael!
Thanks Mandy, yes despite the monster as above they did play with as many grotesque shapes as they could think of. I played this game with Primary school aged kids with hilarious results. They didn’t get the example above though.
I’ll bet you were a favorite teacher! 🙂
Well now Mandy, I did have a great time and I have a video about me made by one of my classes which reminds me of the impact I did have on them.
Sort of like Mr. Holland’s Opus? Teachers that make an impact on students like you did deserve huge kudos! I’d love to see the video 🙂
You’ll have to come to Australia then find my house….lol
It would be worth a try. 🙂
Let me know and I’ll have the kettle ready…..
It’s on my bucket list, Michael.
If you live in Canada or close I may be your way first….
I live in Oregon. I’ve always planned to see Canada. There is a ferry that goes there from Seattle, WA. Maybe it goes to Vancouver, BC. Seattle is three hours from me.
Ok you live in a lovely part of the U.S. Not sure when I’ll get there but maybe 2016.
Well then, it’s a date! (maybe)
Body language does affect the appearance in a great way. Well-penned. And thank you for sharing your words with us this week. 🙂
It was a tough prompt HA, but for me the exercise served as a great teaching tool for kids in revealing and making them aware that monsters in this world so often look just like anyone.
Excellent piece.
Thank you so much Ruth. Lovely to have you drop by.
I really like this take on the prompt. And, “She’s far too close. She invades my space”—that is DEFINITELY a big fear that many people have…so makes perfect sense for a monster to do that!!
How totally original, Michael! and why does that not surprises me! Nicely penned…you must have been a blast as a teacher.
Very, very true!!!!
I loved this — and have to agree with Oliana — this would have been an awesome experiment — what a fun class 🙂
The realisation wasn’t always fun but a sober lesson. Getting there was the fun. Thanks Jen.