Ode to stuffed animals

They are stuffed
 full of fluff,
confronted with love
and care.

the first time
I lay eyes on you,
was at the shop
of built for stuffed toys

when we select you
we want you perfect
no rips,
no tears,
and no missing pieces.

the fur from your body
lay on the leathery
cold and bumpy car seat.
you are fuzzy,
warm, comforting,
and always there.

your image takes form
of animals, creatures, and imagination.
We keep you close to us for warmth,
and to protect us
from nightmares.

the cuteness you bring
is enough to satisfy any sad day.
we call you names
to give you meaning.

we then place you
in our rooms for the day,
you stay still until
we return.

As night draws near
and the day comes to a close,
we see an image
we most find comforting
in the stillness of the dark
on the bed you lay
guarding our belongings
from dangerous things.

we think of you as
a toy, but your much
much more than a toy
you are our stuffed animal
and nothing will change.

Litany

You are the wind and the willow,

the raven and the crow.

You are the happy,

and the light.

You are the clown,

and the hope.

However, you are not agony,

pain,

or sorrow.

And you are certainly not purgatory.

There is just no way that you are bad to the bones.

It is possible that you are confusing,
maybe even disturbing,

but you are not even close

to being annoying.

And a quick look in the mirror will show

that you are neither black

nor white.

It might interest you to know,

speaking of the plentiful imagery of the world,

that I jump with glee.

I also happen to be walking,

talking

and thinking.

I am also the counter

and the balance.
But don't worry, I'm not the agony and the pain.
You are still the wind and the willow.
You will always be the hope and the light,
not to mention the happy and--somehow--the angel.

introduction to self

My name is Joe Williams from Boise Idaho to attend LCSC college to major in education and minor in Psychology.  I have several pets in my home in Boise, a dog named Charlie, a tank of fish of various types and a cat named Norma Geen.  I have one sister who is older and is already managing a store in Boise. My best subject in school is math.  I find math to be a thrilling subject with no end of twists and turns to solve a problem that is complex in sight. I work for the Boys and Girls club in Lewiston ID. reffing for the seasons sports there.