The Genie

While alone and stranded in the desert,
I came across a golden lamp
The genie inside said he'd take my hurt,
And I wished first for a place to camp

A tent appeared with food inside,
The genie flashed a toothy grin
He knew I wasn't satisfied,
My second wish would now begin

Suddenly giddy from this excitement,
I blurted out, "I want a monkey!
To cook my meals and for entertainment,
Besides, I need some company."

The genie snapped his chubby fingers,
And my companion soon appeared
I blinked back several happy tears,
This good fortune was just plain weird

His generous offer had gained my trust,
Now I was down to my last wish
I've always felt barely better than dust
Unworthy of having a lot in my dish

So I earnestly spilled my fantasy,
The prize my heart desires most;
I wished for someone unlike me,
To stand with me at my lonely post

The genie's smile disappeared,
Replaced instead by yellow fangs
Flames blazed across his beard,
His eyes like yins without the yangs

I dashed for cover inside the tent,
But it vanished the second I reached the door
He took it away the same way it was sent,
I shouldn't be shocked, this has happened before

Now that he knows my treasured dream,
He dangles it just in front of me
Taunting me until I scream,
I beg of him to hear my plea

Let me go back to the way it was,
And try to fix this on my own
I know now this is all because
I wasn't grateful for my home

The genie stared coldly at my face,
Looking directly into my soul
Full of regret, shame, and disgrace
I'm ready to work towards a better goal

Closing my eyes, I feel so defeated,
Resigned to a lifetime of wanting the grave
But when I look up, I hardly believe it,
The genie is gone, I'm washed clean by a wave

I turn my head and my heart starts to soar,
As I gaze at my house sitting under the trees
Tears silently fall as I step through the door,
Never before have I felt this much peace.