Velveteen

When I was born and taken home all snuggled close and warm

I didn't know at all that there were defects in my form

The years and all they brought to me have left their marks behind

But if someone can love me still I'm sure that I won't mind

I can only wish someone will know just how I feel

And love me when I'm shabby, quite enough to make me real

I've often heard the stories of the ones that love made real

And often I have thought that I would someday learn to feel

I sit here only watching at the borders of my life

And the fear of never being loved has pierced me like a knife

I can only wish someone will know just how I feel

And love me when I'm shabby, quite enough to make me real

Now someone special in my life has made my wish occur

In spite of my misshapen form and shabby worn-out fur

I know that I am loved each time I see that someone's eyes

They tell me I am real in ways that nothing can disguise

And I have got my wish for someone who knows just how I feel

He's loved me, though I'm shabby, quite enough to make me real

Now all you ladies worried 'cause your shape is not quite true

And all you men with loved-off fur and scalp that's showing through

And all you minds with failing seams and fear where all can see

Take heart from this true lesson from a worn-out shabby me

And I can only hope that someone will know just how you feel

And love you, though you're shabby, quite enough to make you real