Just The Way I Am

Can you take me as I am
When the doors begin to slam
When the odd habits come to call
When all life begins to stall

There are times when by a mile
All I want to see is your smile
So I would do most anything
To feel your heart and hear it sing

I want so much to bring you joy
And not to pester or annoy
Yet I know this as well as you
Many days these things I do

We both know we'll do what we will
Cannot fulfill all the others still
We attempt not to do things the other dislikes
But cannot keep from riding our bikes

You know those things we never forget
How to do and wish we'd met
And learned how not to ride those bikes
Maybe we'd ridden different ones we both liked

Indeed afraid that what I do
Would upset or offend you
I know we both have our tempers
Mine shows, but in comparison whimpers

I dislike arguments that cause derision
Dislike those things causing indecision
On either part whether you or I
So I avoid things so I make none cry

So sometimes I do things that make some worry
Want to scream and want to scurry
I hope that on those days you will hold me tight
With patience and with all your might

I keep my mouth closed of what is wrong
Only opening when I can sing some song
Or at least crack a little smile
So you feel joy all the while

I know you hurt and so do I
Only different forms we each decry
We see days come and see them go
Each and every day we grow

As the days do pass I'm told
Things fade away and become old
We leave behind things that cause us pain
Those that bring on troubles with the rain

We're Closer in some ways
And Further in others
But the closest days
Are used to smooth our feathers

^{Kari Shinal Copyright Jan. 4, 2009}