To Penny...

In class, after conducting our seminar with the text, The Century Quilt, I was inspired to share a poem that showed my connection to my family. One day when I was 5, I went to Kalahari with my family and got a small stuffed Bengal Tiger that looked like the real one that they had on exhibit. Ever since that day, Penny has spent every night with me and is practically part of the family.

This is an ode to my greatest companion, Penny.

Your small body, covered in black and white fur, battered and worn out from years of cuddles.

Just your presence transports me to a time of effortless childhood.

You comforted me in times of heartache and sorrow,

but you also gave me moments of joy and triumph.

I can still recall the day I first got you,

over twelve years ago-one of my greatest friends came into my life.

I knew you were the companion I wanted,

but I never realized that you were the friend I needed.

You never once let me forget who I was,

even though I doubted myself plenty.

Your touch was rough yet familiar.

You smelled like my Justice perfume and absorbed my deepest, darkest emotions.

You are an angel sent to protect me,

and because of you I am suddenly:

Untouchable.

Unconquered.

Undetectable.

Nothing can haunt me.

Nothing can tiuch me.

No one can harm me.

And I owe it all to you,

Penny.