THE LONELINESS OF HEALING

‎The swing set creaks, just empty now, ‎But my younger self is here with me somehow. ‎Not a ghost, she’s just a part of who I've been, ‎Holding a broken kite, with a half-smile and a shy grin. ‎ ‎She shows me scraped-up knees and bruised-up arms, ‎Points to memories that set off old alarms. ‎She grabs my hand and says, "Do you recall ‎The day I was pushed against the wall? ‎ ‎I had to grow up fast, you see, ‎There was no one else to rescue me, ‎Just a scared kid who had to be free." ‎I look at her, and I just get it. ‎The girl who needed a hug, and to just sit. ‎And I kneel down, whispering, "It's okay, ‎You're safe with me, starting today." ‎"You can finally rest. Just give yourself a chance. ‎I'll be the one to give you a new dance." ‎ ‎And in that quiet moment, it all makes sense, ‎The loneliness of healing is my own defense. ‎It's just me and her, finally getting a chance ‎To breathe deep and take a new stance.