The Little Child

The little child hides deep inside my soul behind the tough outside persona.
The little child inside me learned that you must strike first or be beaten down.
Too many times she trusted and opened up, only to be abused and left all alone.
The little child inside me learned early that the world isn't a nice place.
That it is easier to pull deep inside the shell of flesh she was born with.
To pretend she is strong and doesn't hurt.
The little child inside me wishes she could feel safe and really loved and wanted.

~Shea Clarke
2005