The Art of Loving and Losing

Special Needs

Huddled in a corner I lay

A poor young invisible stray

That can't remember the last day

That there was peace

From all the pleas

Of "Take me please"

It's a cacophony of barks

We're all waiting for our arcs

Hoping again to run in parks

Chase the wild dreams

Swim in dainty streams

Let out the screams

I don't notice her presence

She stands with holy essence

A girl in late adolescence

She crouches with a treat

Throws it at my feet

It's my turn for a meet

And on that first day

She takes me out to play

I know I won't have to stay

When she says "I'm the one"

Sign the papers, yes I'm done

I won't miss this when I'm gone

My new life begins at her place

It's a strange house, I'm in a daze

I feel unworthy but she offers praise

For the random things I do

I don't have a clue

But it's been long overdue

I'm gifted a new warm bed

Somewhere soft I can rest my head

And not have to lay in dread

Of what comes next

Wow, this is the best

I'm sure I've passed the test

And on that first night

She looks at me in delight

I don't have to live in fright

She falls asleep next to me

And I wonder what would be

If she hadn't found me

Hours turn to days, turn to weeks

I know now she is all I seek

What we have is too unique

I'm showered with toys

She prefers me over the boys

We're scheming our ploys

She takes me to training classes

And I show all those smart-asses

I am the one who surpasses

My chest inflates with pride

I've taken this new life in stride

In mom's loving arms I will abide

And on that first spring

She treats me like a king

Can't explain the feeling

I'm loved for the first time

Every mountain we can climb

Nothing more sublime

Summer is the adventurous sphere

But at the end college is here

She's taking me with her, it's clear

And I don't know what's at stake

There's something that makes me ache

The promise of being okay is fake

Small dorm room, greedy roommate

Late night studies, less time for her mate

New friends, stealing her for a playdate

I seek her attention, make her remember

That I am still here, wanting her

But that only fills her with anger

So I'm a prick

Let's do a trick

Maybe it'll stick

But fear is greater than obedience

Doesn't she understand inexperience?

All she wants is expedience

She's crying in her room

I don't want to make her fume

University has brought me doom

She takes me to a specialist

In disguise they're a terrorist

Figuring me out like a mentalist

And on that first semester

We break and come together

Hit 'refresh', start over

We learn I'm "special needs"

She's been given magic seeds

A new life coach with deeds

And on that first year

I learn to cope with fear

An unstable boat, she can steer

We will overcome this plight

Even when she's out of sight

I will always be her knight