My loves a battered box
with odd shapes
of wood
oak yew and pine
carved
with hearts
from time to time.

A mis matched
assortment
of broken pieces
glued
and repainted
though with age
the pictures
tainted.

Theirs no picture
on the lid
that's long since
faded
by the water damage
tears
from eyes
past players
jaded.

I hope you understand
this is more
than just
a toy
this is the
very essence
of a
very lonely boy.

Close the box
if you
can't help me
leave it there upon
the shelf
and let the pieces
feel untouched
as I do
within my self.