It feels like it must’ve been just yesterday

That I was running inside after a long day of play

Only to be met by a reality that hurt

I should’ve just stayed outside in the dirt

Because at least Mother Nature would hold me dearly

Her devotion and love I could always feel clearly

But home was riddled with chaos and confusion

Most of the time, reality was an illusion

It’s where my core wound began to set in

Where so many days the tie went to him

Where I stood outside her door that was locked

And with tears in my eyes, softly I knocked

The silence that followed would usually be met

With a desire, a hope, and a prayer to forget

The deafening sound of not being chosen

No wonder I became so numb and so frozen

But I know why it all had to happen that way

And why most of the people who come don’t stay

To teach me how to start choosing myself

To start to prioritize my heart’s value and health

To make sure that I’m ok no matter where I am

And when I’m weak to learn to take my own hand

It still isn’t easy, this lesson I’m learning

Opportunities arise and I feel all the churning

Of emotions that got trapped 20+ years ago

The ones that block any rationality I know

But I’ve learned over time to find a quiet space

Where I can go back to that dark and heavy place

To show my little girl she’s not trapped anymore

To pick up her devastation and show it to the door

The days are getting fewer and farther between

You’ve accomplished so much more than it seems

Keep on going, and please don’t ever question

When people show up to teach you life’s greatest lessons