Author unknown

I lay down bleeding, bruised, and sore,
Broken spirit, just like before.

Can't he see my pain, my fright?
I want to play, and love - not fight.

I see his hand as it comes down,
And as he speaks I can hear his frown.

I shrink down closer to the floor,
But I know just what's in store.

I whimper softly, though in vain.
My punishment - a four-foot chain.

Left outside for seven days.
No food, no water, eyes that glaze.

I rest my eyes, close them tight,
Trying to forget my plight.

As I open them again,
There is no grass, there is no chain.

I see your hand as it comes down,
To pat my head, call me a clown.

You laugh and tell me how I snore,
Then you hug me, and pat me more.

"It was only a dream!" I think with a sigh,
And thank the big man up in the sky.

The pain I endured, it led you to me,
And FINALLY, "I" am a part of a "WE".

My heart beats "I love you."
I hope you can hear it.
There's not many out there
that can mend a broken spirit.