I''ve had friends, but they never stayed.


    Dad brings back home a playmate for me.


    A kid my age without a home,


    No soul to miss them when they''ve flown.


    My new friend and I play make believe


    In Candy Land, chasing delights


    Then pirates we become, raiding ships,


    Seeking adventures in faraway lands.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    By sunset, I take my friend to another place.


    The Secret Garden. It''s down in the cellar.


    Behind the wine rack, a steel door stands,


    Guarded by chains and three heavy-duty locks.


    Beyond lies realms untouched, waiting to be explored,


    With feasts and treasures galore.


    There''s also another friend behind that door.


    Let''s unlock the locks and undo the chains.


    The garden is a little dark.


    “Don''t mind the funny odor,” I tell my friend


    Who runs back up the steps, grabs the knob,


    And bangs on the cellar door, but it won''t budge.


    “Mom locked it from the outside,” I say.


    Only through the garden, can we find our way.


    And there, the Other Me, will lead us on


    Through the shadows, until the dawn.