From the Collection – In The Narcissist’s Shadow
Before the ache, there was wonder.
This poem is a glimpse into the joy of a childhood untethered — where the world is a playground, love is unquestioned, and dragonflies shimmer with nothing but light. It’s a celebration of a girl before she knew what needed healing.
You think your strength is found in staying there,
But being still won’t let you breathe the air.
Your garden waits, yet weeds are choking blooms;
It’s time to rise and clear away the gloom.
I glimpse her carefree soul run through the green,
Along the field’s edge, light upon her feet.
A skip in her step, she spins beneath the skies,
Hopping on stones, her laughter bright and sweet.
Her arms outstretched, she dances with the breeze,
Her playful voice drifts softly through the trees.
I watch her setting paper boats adrift,
Her fingers trace the ripples as they glide.
She chases frogs that leap beyond her reach,
The stream becomes her endless, joyful ride.
The monsoon rain falls gently on her skin,
And in those moments, peace surrounds her grin.
I spy her chasing butterflies so bright,
While dragonflies shine in the morning light.
She leaps for Java plums on branches high,
Her laughter echoing beneath the sky.
She roams the hills and quarries with delight,
Her spirit soaring like a fearless kite.
I see her threading marigolds with care,
Lighting her sparklers in the festive air.
She eats her sweets until her tummy’s tight,
Love wraps around her — warm, and pure, and bright.
As I watch her, fear creeps in me—
Will the world hush the song she’s meant to sing?
