Stuffed Animal

Your coat is so very soft.
Your breath is always fresh.
Your eyes never look away.

You listen to our dreams and tell us to wish upon a star.
You don't get angry but accept us as we are.
You couldn't hurt us even if we mistreated you.

Children give you a name.
Real animals allow you in their game.
Even adults honor you.

When others have gone, you are near.
When the lights have gone out, you have no fear.
When we cry on your shoulders, you never walk away.

Let us hold you when we have pains.
Let us gaze at you when it rains.
Let us love you in the morning.

We dream that someday you will come to life,
But in our mind we know you yourself can have no life,
Except that which we ourselves give to you.

By Alan Stokes   May 5, 1994    

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To: All the young and young at heart who know the companionship of a stuffed animal. Written for my wife Anne when we were dating, when I gave her a stuffed animal as a gift.