I face the nine-headed monster and spit in its face,
It stares, unblinking, rooted in place.
It slowly inches forward, hand outstretched,
As I pull out my sword and slice off a head.
Yet it continues forward, two more growing in its place
And I sprint away, seeking solace
In lands other than home
My true homes.
For at home, the monster exists
And in these lands of comfort and power
The monster lies powerless
And lets me be.
*Notes: Drawing by Jessica Chacon
