10/23/12

Her Outer Shell
By Matthew Wilson


I ask for so little. Just hate me.
Make it easy for me.
It is what I am. What I'm used to.
My father's a drunk, mother's AWOL.
You are the only one who has shown me
any kindness.
A monster cannot live without her venom.
It has burned within me so long
I do not know how to be anything else.
I have to hate you. Else, I've no defenses.
Heartless husks wither in the sun.
Look how strong I am. Father's hate has made me feared.
Playground children no longer bully me.
And you do not pick me up and wipe my eyes.
So long ago, pretense is my second nature.
Yet easily you disarm me. And I hate you for it.
Almost. If only I were a little stronger.
Let me hate you.
Or else what am I?


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Matthew Wilson, 29, is a UK resident who has been writing since he was small. Recently these stories have been published in Horror Zine (Print edition), Static Movement and Carillon Magazine. He is currently editing his first novel.