Just Like My Dog Charlie
Like a stray who's been
kicked
too much,
I approach you hesitantly.
You loved me and
comforted me,
so I began to trust you.
But soon memories
of so many blows -
so many swift kicks -
swarm back over me.
Will this one be the same?
You keep comforting,
and I begin to follow you.
I stay by your side,
afraid if I let you out of my sight ...
I'll lose you.
Then I'm reprimanded -
I'm always there.
Now I fear I'll chase you away
by staying so close ...
Two fears collide,
opposing one another,
and I become frustrated;
What do I do?
The memories taunt me,
making me childlike
and uncertain again.
Damn my past
that has ruined my confidence.
Damn the pain
that keeps me cringing
and clinging in turns.
Damn the paranoia
that makes me burden you.
Damn my weakness,
that I can't get over all these things.
I'm only a stray mutt,
afraid to take you as my home,
but longing so much to do so.