I have this stuffed animal monkey

and yes, shes a tad bit funky

with her creamy and rich brown colored fur

she's just the kind that i would prefer

with her gentle polka dotted dress and silky red ribbon around her neck

she really does help to keep me in check

she did not come from anywhere special

just the shelves of the newark airport near the car rentals

I got her when I was two

and since then even closer we grew

my mom and aunt bought her for me to stop me from crying

knowing they wouldnt be able to handle me much longer even if they were trying

My aunt had come to visit us from Israel and I immediately felt a strong bond

when she would hug and tickle me, with a smile i would respond

She is barren and therefore treated me as if I was her own

she made me feel as if i were a queen on a throne

The month I spent with her was filled with warm memories that I did not want to forget

and after a  moment more of thinking i fell into a deep sweat

Knowing I wouldn’t see her again for a few years, I began to cry and beg her not to leave

i cried more and held on tight to her sleeve

It doesn’t matter to me that Masha was bought from a slimy and unsanitary airport

filled with thousands of hasty and rude people and flight attendents

To me, Masha represents the friendship I formed with my aunt

and i could not lose my  best friend, i just cant

I told her everything; and she listened

This stuffed animal has truly made my life glisten

 Since that day, I have only seen my aunt twice but, even though she lives 5678 miles away

I feel like she’s right next to me holding my hand and guiding me, making everything okay

 Masha shields and protects me from the outside world

With her cuddled close to my chest, I feel all the love she provides