I think perhaps

we all have

a damaged child,

hidden deep within our souls.

Fragile, lonely, bullied – or bullying,

the last one chosen

when teams were picked,

frightened, wounded, hurt,

ignored – or smothered,

broken-hearted, shamed,

or burdened with unrealistic expectations –

the children we once were,

tucked away, hidden, deep within 

the forgotten corners of our souls –

forgotten and hidden

beneath layers of defenses.

But sometimes,

a memory, a photo, a word, a feeling

breaks through the wall and

the damaged child peeks out –

we get a glimpse –

of what made us

who we are.

And sometimes,

God reaches down and says,

“You know, I always loved that child,

and I still love you.” 

Joyce Alexander, 2-15-2019