That Most Gigantic, Elephantic, Three Eyed Wildebeest

An acceptance story…

I went into the shelter, to find myself a pet.
I couldn’t wait to find out which companion I would get.
Wand’ring ‘round from cage to cage, I checked out every guest.
Discretion was important, to find which pet was best.

The options, there were many, with cages far and wide.
The selection was so varied, I couldn’t quite decide.
So many shapes and colors, of each and every size.
In every cage I’d look inside and find a new surprise.

I knew among the choices, though, the pet I wanted least.
That Most Gigantic, Elephantic, Three Eyed Wildebeest.
His spot was in the corner, away from all the rest.
He hardly fit inside his cage, he looked a little stressed.

I quickly walked right by and though I barely gave a look.
He wagged his big long tail so much his metal cage, it shook!
And as I passed, without so much as looking in his eyes.
I knew he felt deflated from his whimper’s and his sigh’s.

But he really wasn’t right quite the pet I wanted, strictly speaking.
That Wildebeest was not the sort of pet that I was seeking.
So I continued searching, looking for that perfect friend.
And pretty soon I’d made it almost to the very end!

A worker came and asked me, “may I help with your selection?”
“The one there in the corner will provide you much affection!”
“I know he’s sort of different from the pet you had expected.”
“He’s been here many years though and he’s never been selected.”

I threw out some excuses like “I just don’t have the room.”
“I just don’t have the money for the food he will consume.”
But that worker wouldn’t hear it, excuses weren’t an option.
This day he had a lofty goal, a Wildebeest adoption!

He grabbed my arm and asked me “would you take another peek?”
“That Wildebeest would be the kind of pet that’s most unique!”
“I think if you look closer you might see a different light.”
Begrudgingly I followed, with no argument or fight.

We stood there for a moment, gently staring at this creature.
The three big eyes a-top his head, his most alarming feature.
His mouth it dripped with drool and spit, his fur was matted slightly.
And this time, so his hopes weren’t dashed, his tail just fluttered lightly.

He straightened up to look his best just like he’d done before.
But this time something told him he should try a little more.
He smiled a smile, the best he could, his crooked teeth were showing.
And in his eyes, all three of them, I saw some hope was glowing.

I knew right then, the two of us, had made a warm connection.
I took a few steps backwards for some personal reflection.
Then I turned back to the worker and with calmness in my voice.
I said to him “you’ve made your point, I’ve finally made my choice!”

So now I’m the proud owner of the pet I wanted least.
That Most Gigantic, Elephantic, Three Eyed Wildebeest.
And the lesson that I’ve learned is that there’s so much to discover.
If you look at life with open eyes…

… and never… ever… ever… judge a Wildebeest by its cover!