A Friend for Me

by Rebecca Besser

Your big brown eyes stare at me with a mixture of sadness and joy.

If my mom says I can have you, I could be your own boy.

She says no, and leads me away from your brown cardboard box.

My heart is disappointed, so I stare at my shoes and socks.

Days, weeks, months go by but I always think of you.

If no one took you home, then what would you do?

I dream of you each night as I turn off the light before bed.

Where are you now and where do you lay your furry head?

My birthday comes tomorrow and I wish that you were here

Watching as I open my gifts, laying out of the way, but near

I open all my presents, but nothing warms my heart.

You are my only thought today, you have been from the start.

Mom says she has a surprise for me, and bids me follow her.

It's probably a skateboard or bicycle, something big, I'm sure.

We step into the garage, my friends following behind.

You have no idea the thoughts running through my mind.

It's not you sitting there, but my heart still swells with joy.

Because sitting here before me is a puppy, for a boy.

I have now forgotten your face, the way you looked at me.

I hope that you are truly happy wherever you may be.

I have a friend to play with, to bring me back my ball.

She follows me and licks my cheek whenever I may fall.

I still hope the best for you, wherever you now live.

Wrapped up in all the love, another boy can give.