If pain spoke
less with intimidation
more with invitation
then I might dare
to shuffle closer
attentive and open
Find a fear cornered there
set behind the tautness
barred vulnerability
Speak softly,
intuition would counsel,
approach with tenderness
I would behold
the extent of the injury
length and breadth of abuse
A child dwells in these spaces
believing she’s protected
lonely and alive
Neglect having brutalized her edges
she cowers and yet, curiosity and
hope still hold space in her eyes
I will sit with her in silence
match my rhythm to hers
settle on a calmer resonance
Pain, I’ll offer
is not your fault –
You don’t need to bear it alone
And when, or if
she sidles closer
I will hold steady
Ignore the stench of bleeding
the disarray of matted locks
the sweat of abandonment
And tell her she is beautiful
a soul created in God’s likeness
a cherished one
She’ll not believe me, of course
For that will take time
and the building of trust
But should I stay
soft and warm
and listening
One day I’ll hear her speak:
Would it be okay
if we went outside to play?
(Image my own)
One Woman's Quest 