Words by Aurelne (she/her), 24 WA
The piece ‘Monsters in my head’ contains themes about mental health, anxiety and depression which may be difficult to read or triggering to some readers. Readers in need can seek support from the following services.
1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
Lifeline – 13 11 14
The monsters in my head
have been very quiet today, but
even while they sleep,
my heart drowns in fear
of them awakening
with no warning.
Sometimes, if I feel
a little stronger, I remind myself
not to feed them, because
these monsters are hungry,
insatiable, and I know
they will take and take,
until my head is empty
and fill that void with roars.
Maybe someday, if I remember
not to feed them
they will shrivel, wrinkle,
and waste away
to nothing more than a speck
of ash, which I will blow away,
and let float across the world,
on wisps of wind.
So today,
today,
today, I will not
feed the monsters in my head.
