Notes, Notings, and Common Refrains

A CRIPPLED CHILD WATCHES THE T.V.
(or: “Why I am a fan of 'Doctor Who'”)

I learned to tell a story at age two
(Propped up between my parents on the couch
With season one of “Star Trek” on the screen) …
At least, I learned the pacing of suspense.
Unable, as I was, to run away,
I'd listen for the changing music. Then
I'd plug my ears, and close my eyes up tight
And wait until the scary moment passed.
I never feared the slime, or scales, or claws;
It was the lasers' flash and angry shouts
That always happened – every episode –
As soon as any “creature” came on-screen.
Did I understand, as young as that,
That I was, too, a monster in their eyes?
My diff'rence, too, was something that they feared?

[ETA: That's the third edit of that final line within the last 20 minutes]