I Am Your Child And I Need You Badly
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Please look at me carefully the next time you see me.  Please notice that I am small and weak.

Please listen to me carefully the next time you see me.  Please notice that I don’t know much.

Like you, I was born helpless.  And growing up so I can take care of myself will take me a long time, too.

I need food.

I need rest.

I need to be kept clean.

I need to be kept warm in winter and cool in summer.

I need to be taken in your arms or sat in your lap.

I need to feel your skin against my skin.

I need you to help hear my hurts.

I need you to play with just so you and I can have some good times together.

I need you to teach me everything you can so I’ll have a chance in this world when I grow up.

I need your patience.  I know I’m not very orderly.  I cry out for things like food and attention the second I need them.
I can’t help it, and I know that bothers you sometimes.  All I can hope is that you will be patient with me until I can learn to be patient too.

Above all, I need to know you love me.  Even if your parents gave you no love, try to give a little to me so I can give a little to my children and they can give a little to theirs children.

I need so much from you, yet I have only one thing I can give you in return.

That is my love.

Today and tomorrow and as long as I live.