This poem describes Stevie's journey from childhood into adulthood. It is a true story!

It’s risky if you care for me,
dangerous I will be!
I will cling and stalk and scare you, too;
why do I do just what I do?

I hide it well, this problem inside.
It’s the makings of a nightmare and it’s not a free ride!
Don’t smile at me, or a compliment give.
I will latch on tight, and “without you I can’t live!”

When you look at me, feet planted on the ground,
what you can’t see is pain, or just where it first was found.
My appearance can be deceiving, for never would you guess,
what you see is not congruent, for my insides are a mess!

My own family and people, they terribly hurt my soul;
left a little girl desperate, then life took its toll!
Part of me is missing, a soul that must be void.
Who I am is for the guessing, it’s a story best left untold.

So please heed my warning,
it’s the safe thing if you do.
It will surely save your life,
keeping me away from you!

September 9, 1981