Apex/pet (v2)

If I had a favourite
— which I don’t —
it would be who?

I twice had a favourite person
that is true
this made things simpler
yet more difficult, times two

My life was in his hands
of that, he knew
that kind of pressure
breaks a thing in two

If I had a favourite child
— well, I cannot —
would it be you?

The first sun that shone
into my heart
all new

If I had a favourite child
— it’s not allowed —
it would be you

the best and brightest thing
I ever knew
untarnished, perfect
glowing, sunny you

The best-built blocks of me
went into you
the elements, the nutriment, the care
attention undivided and aware
(I wasn’t even game to dye my hair)

I never left your side
unless I heard
your every act recited
every word

And when a second came…
I still stayed true
with ears for no-one really
but for you

I watched you grow
helped every nascent gift;
my adoration bathed
your rapid stride

First time you caught a bus
my heart caught too
as really
I was nothing, without you

Too soon the moment came
for our last hug
the last time that you grabbed me —
artless love!

If I had a favourite
— no-one does! —
it would be true
that when you ceased to love me
I was through