A Poem Like You

Narrative Poem

25th December, 1994

Watching snow fall through the window; Angel closed his eyes and sighed with heavy heart. Thinking back to Mr. Wang's enquiry on his poor health; Angel had no qualms in answering the truth, but he also knew the truth should never be revealed.

"How are you feeling?"

The moment Angel opened his eyes, his gaze landed on a man who appeared to be quite concerned and truth be spoken, Angel had never before seen any adult in his life appear as concerned as the man in front of him.

"Where-" Angel cleared his throat before asking, "Where am I?"

"Don't you remember? We found you inside our barn by my son's side."

"Kiaan?"

"Yes. He's my son."

Feeling a bit relieved that the man in front wasn't going to harm him, Angel relaxed visibly and this did not go unnoticed by Kevin. The moment this child heard his son's name, it had a great impact on his anxiety.

"Have you met Kiaan before last night?"

"No. It was the first time we met."

Seeming appeased Kevin enquired further, "Where are your parents?"

This was one question or few of many that Angel never wanted to answer and thus he chose to maintain his silence.

As expected, Kevin knew the traits too well. Having witnessed many kids clam up when asked this question, he just perceived the background Angel must be coming from.

"It's alright. You're safe here. You need to eat and drink well-" pausing to look squarely at the kid he continued, "But not the dog food you've been sneaking around and eating. Stay here until you're healthy."

Angel could not believe his ears. "My pa-"

"Don't worry about anything. You're Kiaan's friend. You'll always be welcomed here."

As Angel saw the retreating man's back he couldn't believe that Mr. Wang's letting him stay here.

Was this all a prank; or were his cousins sneaking around and soon going to barge in and take him away? Didn't they just the other day hand him a gun and say it's a toy?

At that moment there was a knock which broke Angel's reverie and he noticed it was his new and only friend from last night, Kiaan.

"Hey!"

Making his way towards Angel, Kiaan was glad that his friend was safe and though he appeared pale, yet right at this very moment for Kiaan, Angel looked radiant.

An excited Indigo pounced on the bed and licked the boy who shared a sandwich with him last night.

Taking a seat by Angel's leg; Kiaan smiled warmly and greeted, "Merry Christmas."

Shocked, Angel tried to remember when was the last time someone greeted him this eagerly. The answer was never.

"Merry Christmas to you too Kiaan."

"What's your wish Angel?"

"My wish?"

"Yes! Your wish." Clasping Angel's hand Kiaan was excited, "It's said that any wish on Christmas will be fulfilled."

Really? This Angel could not believe but watching Kiaan's exuberance, Angel did not have it in him to say otherwise.

"I don't have any wish."

Kiaan was disappointed hearing this. "How can you not have any wishes? Everyone has one!"

"What was yours?"

Without much thought Kiaan blurted out, "To have a friend and my wish came true. I got you!"

Time stopped for Angel. He couldn't believe the words that came out of Kiaan's mouth. He had wished for Angel? Did he truly mean that?

"You wished for me?" Angel could still not believe those words.

"Yup!"

Tightening their clasp Angel prayed for what he said next, "Then I wish for you to be my family."

Immediately Kiaan cupped Angel's mouth with his small hand and shook his head frantically, "You're not supposed to say your wishes aloud!"

"Buhhh-yuh--"

"What?"

Tapping Kiaan's hand that covered his mouth; Angel indicated for him to remove.

"Sorry. What were you saying?"

"But you just asked me for my wish."

"I did; but that was for you to think and pray. Not reveal it out loud."

Shaking his head Angel grinned, "You're something else Kiaan. Anyway, it does not matter. Everything that I say, I wish for you to always listen to them."

Shocked; Kiaan enquired, "Why?"

The answer was always simple, "Because you're my family."

©

Except for admonishing him for hiding someone in their backyard, Kiaan was glad that his parents allowed Angel to stay at their place. Once they knew that Kiaan's happiness was having Angel by his side, it was an easy feat to convince his parents of the same.

Rest of the day was fun filled with mostly Indigo prancing around while Kiaan and Angel sat together on Angel's bed and ate cookies. Of course, Indigo was not far behind in pleading with them to share some crumbles with him too.

In all Angel would never forget this day. He suddenly had a best friend and another friend who stopped growling at him. Probably this was the very first time he felt wonderful to be part of a family.

Was this how families behaved?

He would never know. If this was a dream, then he wished no one would wake him up.

"Angel," Kevin called his name as Tonya handed him a box wrapped in beautiful green paper. "This is for you from us. Merry Christmas sweetheart."

Tonya observed the boy's eyes glaze with emotion. He had never before received any gifts. Kiaan made all this happen.

"Thank you," Angel's hands trembled as he held the gift tightly.

"Why don't you open it?" Kiaan jumped with excitement next to Angel and one would find it difficult to believe that the gift was for the latter and not former.

With a meek nod Angel opened his gift and gasped at the contents inside. Sitting cozily inside the box was a thick cardigan, woolen cap and gloves.

Tears brimmed his eyes and unable to stop them from falling, Angel clutched the gift close to his chest.

"Thank you," he murmured in a low voice.

Kevin and Tonya were speechless but it was Kiaan who embraced Angel with his small arms, "You're family. Remember."

This Angel always remembered. He had a family. Kiaan was his family.

©

Angel was asleep on his own bed when seconds later he felt movements under his blanket. His yell was muffled by a small hand that cupped his mouth and whispered, "Sh! it's me. Kiaan."

"What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to be with you," Kiaan's answer was simple which made Angel's heart warm.

That night they snuggled together under a blanket as the snow lazily graced the Earth's surface. Fluttering his eyes open Angel saw Kiaan's sleeping form and prayed, You'll always come first for me. I promise to always keep you before me. I will protect you Kiaan. Thank you for being my family.

©

|Narrative poem|

Is a type of poem that tells a story. Narrative poems tend to be quite long. They tell a story like in a novel and also use rhythm and rhyme, like in a poem.