I'm not a Monster

At least, not the kind you should fear ... probably

Sometimes I frighten people.

And I hate that it is so.*

This group of images I posted a few days ago brought something to my mind, memories of things people of have said or reactions to me over the years.

Throughout my life I have been told, always by adults or teenagers, that I can look quite intimidating at times, even when I am not angry. “Scary” is the word that has often been used. And I do not mean this in a theatrical sense but I mean apparently real life scary to the point where strangers in public places will quietly move to avoid me rather than risk getting too near.

It is probably the reason I have never been robbed or accosted, even when walking through some very bad places at times. Even so, I feel horrible when I learn that my external demeanor is such that my loved ones and those I wish only to be at peace when I am near feel they need to actively avoid me if they think I am or might become angry, even my dog.

Nearly always though, I do not even realize people are frighten…