First Impressions

Although you’re here with me
you don’t feel like mine.
I want to know what you are thinking
and to tell you you’ll be fine.

But your animal instincts likely
detect my uncertainty.

I know your old owner
is feeling a pain
I am still getting over.

It doesn’t feel fair
to be happy when I know
I put the pain there.

Plunging her into sorrow
took part of me down.
Where I should be excited
I’m hiding a frown.

I have only two weeks
to learn how to love you.
I don’t know if I want to.

I have only two weeks
before I leave you.
I tell myself it’s for your sake
that I want to hold you at arm’s length

but it isn’t.

When you look at me
are you asking for company?
I avoid eye contact,
too afraid to become attached.

And too bruised to love you back.