Song of the Orphan

Will you play with me? I'll watch you from vacant eyes.
For I've been cast away far too many times.

Can you hold my hand just a little longer? Try and squeeze away the hurt.
The crying isn't pain, but a sign of life's hunger.

Watch me do a trick and count to 10. No! Don't leave. I can do it again.
I'll twirl and giggle and stumble and grin.

The alphabet starts with A and ends with Z.
I don't know the middle, but maybe could you teach me?

I promise to be good. Listen to every word.
But can you tuck me in at your house?

It's cold standing in the sun with a freshly scrubbed face.
I heard a mother keeps a warm space.

I won't be in the way, I'll rock myself to sleep.

I'll tell you what you want to hear, even if it's a lie.
Just take me with you when you tell the others goodbye.