The little girl and me

THE LITTLE GIRL AND ME

BY CHRISTINA BENNETT





It was pulling me into deep waters

Till I could barely see the shore

I tried to swim back to the life

That I had known before.



It wouldn't let go,the tide was high

I fought to breathe in air

But the undercurrent was pulling me down

To face what was hidden there.



I closed my eyes, I shut them tight

I fought to not look deep

Till I heard her cry, such tiny sobs

And I began to weep.



I know that child, I've seen her face

Yet the memory is not clear

For who would hurt a little child

And then just leave her here.



I saw her chin raise up determined

When she felt my presence known

I saw how brave the young child was

For someone not yet grown.



She wiped her tears with the back of her hand

Then she stared into my eyes

Then after a moment I saw her simile

And she breathed a gentle sigh



"Have we met" I asked at last

While my heart began to race

For there was something very familiar

When I looked into her face.



"It's been a while since we met"

And then she spoke her name

My mind jumped with recognition

When I heard we shared the same.



"How long have you been crying here

And why are you alone?"

She shook her head in disbelief

As if I should have known.



"It was you who left me here

For I was too much pain to bare

So you tucked me deep within your soul

And forgot I was there."



My body rocked in misery

Then the pain came crashing down

I tried to scream out in denial

But I couldn't make a sound.



Then it came, the truth broke free

I remembered her at last

This little child and i were one

We shared a secret past.



I knelled gently down beside her

And we cried so many tears

We spoke about the shame

That had kept us apart for years.



Then I finally took a good look at her

And I cherished who I saw

And realized I could help her now

For I was no longer small.



I spoke so firm I surprised us both

I was determined now to hold

This part of me, the little child

Our secrets now all told.



I promised to take care of her

As we swam up from the sea,

To start to live our life again

The little girl and me.