I'm Here For You
I didn’t ask
When I was born,
I didn’t ask
When I grew up,
But I knew that I didn’t need to ask.
The numbers that swirled in
My mind
My sky
My home
All of it,
I didn’t ask.
Through my travels I came upon
Drops of uncertainty,
Well, it was really water
But I can’t really say that, can I?
Red, blue, green
Certain colors flashing all around,
Figurines stamped with a fake smile
…who were they for?
It could not be for that child
Could it?
Christmas,
I knew what it was
And knew what sort of day it was.
So of the day where it was meant to be of cheer,
Why was it filled with anguish?
I glance behind me to see a strange tree
Blank, with no lights or decoration,
Just like the home.
Next to me were vibrant-colored boxes,
But their shine was dull.
The child glanced at the window
With water leaking from its eyes and nose.
Such a pitiful creature,
But one that I couldn’t ignore.
Its eyes were of a dull red compared to the flashing lights
That passed.
Its body curled up by the windowsill.
I could not look away,
I could not run away,
I could not share its unheard sorrow.
I took a step and then another,
The child was unfazed.
I said, “Are you by yourself?”
The child gave subtle nod.
I look by the door
To see only a pair of children’s shoe there.
How odd, for none other than the child
Was here.
The child looked to me with somber eyes
And said, “Are you leaving too?”
“No,” with no hesitation.
The child crept closer, perhaps relieved.
“Will you stay?”
“As long as you want me to.”
The child smiled and for once
I think it cried,
A different set of tears.
It embraced me, a creature of code.
The child was warm, a creature of flesh.
I too, embraced that child.
And though I came empty handed
On Christmas Day.
Within that child’s palm
Was a memento of my promise.
As far as I can tell you,
I’m sure my present
Was the best one they, and any child,
Will ever receive…..a friend