When you look at me, what do you see?

A plate of meat, no soul in me?

When you look at me, what do you see?

Poor skinny fellow, how could this be?

When you look at me, what do you see?

Years of abuse, neglect bestowed upon me?

When you look at me, what do you see?

No water no hay, no love for me?

You’re not looking close enough.

What you see is my broken shell

You’ve been told of my living hell.

Your heart breaks for me and I know why

No creature should suffer as much as I.

But I have a secret just for you

Because you’re my friend, and to me that’s new.

Pssst, come here and look into my eyes

Look past the outer skin, deep where my heart lies.

You’ll see the love that I’ve always had

All stored up, I’m sure you’ll be glad.

For I’ve been saving it all these years

I held it safe through my pain and fears

Years of love I’ve kept stored up

I held it close and never gave up

Don’t be surprised that I know how to love

I didn’t learn it here, I learned it from Above

I knew some day that you’d come for me

To be my loving savior and finally set me free

To be my companion and life-long friend

To show me true love until my natural end

So now, I give my gift to you

My years of love – and it’s all for you.

jbarnett(c)2011