There is a child inside me

She lurks in the corners of my soul as I navigate my life

She has been waiting for her chance to come out and play

.

I worked so hard for so much of my life

to raise my kids

to keep myself safe

.

I tried so hard to fit in

Hoping to be seen – to be heard

My inner child has been very patient

.

My kids are now grown and have their own lives

I’ve no one to care for but the dogs

No one to tell me what I can, can’t, or should do

.

The child is now free to play

She’s with me when I garden

She helps me tell my story through my blog

She’s there when I create the art that brings me so much joy

.

And she’s there to tell me it’s okay

when I start to feel weepy over old memories

or the state of the world