Scarlett Choi

They always look at me with fear; eyes filled with grief and hands clawing at the ground, simply to get away from me.

 

They hold onto their loved ones when I am around. They beg me please not to take them.

 

I am the worst punishment. I am the greatest prison. I am the terrible end.

 

Still, I reach my hand out to them, harnessing all the gentleness I have. I smile through my darkness. I cradle them in my arms. I give them my heart.

 

Then with soft steps, and their hands in mine, we go to the light.

A poem about villainy.

Winner in the Young Writers "Twisted Tales" competition. "Twisted Tales" invited students to flip the narrative and tell a story, in 100 words, from a villain's point of view.

 

Selected for publication in "Twisted Tales – Legends from the USA."