I never thought I was bad,
But many a friend, I never had.
Everyone always kept away,
Afraid, every moment, I might spray.
I'd arrive and say hello.
They'd look at me and away they'd go.
Most of the time I was alone,
Left to forage and frolic on my own.
When there were parties, I was not there.
From afar, I'd look and stare.
Once I tried coming over-
Everyone yelled and ran for cover.
I decided, though, it's not my fault!
Their reactions I can try to halt.
I'd brainstorm ways to reverse this mark!
Better to light a candle than curse the dark.
I am strong, and I am smart-
It's time that I do act the part.
They'll see I'm fun and full of charm,
And will realize I pose no harm.
Walking in the forest, through the trees,
I collected about 100 leaves.
I found some twigs and began my task.
Everyone will receive a mask!
I worked hard all through the night,
Making sure they'd all fit right.
The very next day I made my move-
I'm worth to know, I set out to prove.
My plan? Approach every one,
Show my best self, 'fore they could run.
I first caught up with the stately deer.
He looked at me, eyes filled with fear.
I stopped and simply then said, "Hey,
Don't be afraid, I will not spray.
Here's a mask, just in case
That will protect your nose and face."
"I want to talk, get to know you.
And hope you get to know me too.
If you still want to walk away,
Far from you, I will stay."
Deer didn't run, but acted leery.
He said yes to my query.
Far apart, we did sit.
As we talked, he relaxed a bit.
Much in common, we found we had.
And afterwards, his eyes looked sad.
"What's wrong?" I said, "Did this not work?"
He said, "No, but I've been a jerk."
"We all assumed the worst of you,
But none of that had turned out true.
You're funny, you're kind. Without a doubt,
By shunning you, we have lost out.
"We missed out on a good friend
And you, we wrongly did offend.
I'm sorry and hope you can forgive
And have another chance to give?"
I smiled broad and smiled wide,
And felt a warmth come from inside.
"I would love if you would be my pal,"
I said with joy and rising morale.
Deer wanted others to understand
And help me, my image, to rebrand.
"It's the very least that I could do,
And I know the others will like you too!"
Deer came with me, to visit Rabbit,
Who lurched back, out of habit.
But mask in hand, we asked to talk,
And soon he joined us on our walk!
Next was Squirrel and Chipmunk,
Who made some comment that I stunk.
But Deer and Rabbit, short and concise,
Sternly said, "That isn't nice!"
Squirrel and Chipmunk apologized.
I now had friends on my side!
As we spoke, I did discover
It wasn't long til I won them over!
The group was now getting large,
But now my friends had led the charge!
They said, "C'mon! Let's not wait!
Everyone must know you are so great!"
So Fox and Elk, Owl and Moles,
In fields, in trees, and inside holes-
All my friends would sing my praises
And talk me up with flowery phrases!
In no time flat, my fan club grew.
All said they never had a clue.
They wished they'd known me all along,
And felt bad they were so wrong.
My sadness is replaced with glee
'Cause I determined to make them see
What I was worth, and I am great-
That I matter, that I rate.
I really don't want to complain-
I love all the friends that I have gained-
But I'm not used to social ways-
It seems I have more dates than days!
