A Painful Purple Dinosaur: A Poem

I love you, you love me, we are a happy family….

The kids taunted me as they called Barney.

No, I am not a purple dinosaur with green dots.

No, I don't want to hug you.

No, I don't care about your feelings.

Leave me alone as I hide away in my corner.

I'm not big and gregarious like the lovable Barney.

I'm Barnaby—small in stature but incredibly significant.

I pride myself on being a true friend, always ready to lend an ear and share the weight of your burdens.

Whether you need someone to talk to or a shoulder to lean on, I'm here for you!

I am Barnaby, a boy who wants to love and know you intimately.

I am Barnaby, the encourager who is like Sam to his Frodo.

I throw the ring into the lake of fire and make sure the shadows don't come back.

I am a faithful companion to those who are lost without a cause.

I am Barnaby, I feel the sting of bullying, and tears stream down my face, a testament to the pain I endure.

I am the man I am because of key observations of others.

I'm like a thermostat, expertly fine-tuning the room's temperature to achieve the perfect balance—keeping it cozy but never too hot or too cold.

That's right, I control the conversation by asking questions.

I listened and watched your heart as it lay before me.

I discern with concern the feelings that are muttered from your mouth.

I can be bipolar Barnaby bombastic barreling belowing beneath the surface of the social jungle.

I can be loud and proud of my convictions.

Then I shroud silently in the corner.

I am that I am and so much more.