fingertips feel broken twine
gentle strokes upon my spine
here i lay,
wrinkled crinkled pages, scent long faded.
all my secrets i have told
never thought i'd be this old
thank you for your care.

i was scared about the start, never thought we'd come this far:
hold me! i would scream, between your palms.

use me, keep me near, keep my fear.
break me in. take me everywhere - just in case.

now i'm adorned with wear and tear.
i've seen my share of places:
strange and big and wide
never thought to taste the outlands
when you took me with you on the ride.

thank you for my scars
thank you for your brutal palms
thank you for your settled mind
thank you for the very kind
words you had to say 'bout me
and thank you for spontaneity
thank you 'til the day i drop
or thank you 'til the day i rot.