I wonder what you’d think of me
if I went to the backyard where you brewed potions out of acorns and fallen leaves
and showed you all the scars the world
and myself have left in me
Would you say,
“Oh, I’m so sorry!”
While plastering
Hello Kitty Band-Aids all over me?
Because if you would,
then I think I’d ruin it by asking,
“Do you not recognize me?”
Then I’d watch
your dimples fade
When you realize who
Cause I know
you’d only feel so much hate for a woman
who straightens out
the same curls as you
But I wondered no longer
when you screamed, “we’re so pretty!”
Which was beautiful
since it’s something I haven’t told myself
in a while
But it made me remember
that you don’t feel judgmental pity,
since you don’t have any crayons that come in that color
How could you
when dusty frames say
you only draw pictures of superheroes,
rainbows and daffodil flowers?
And I think that’s why yesterday
I felt you tugging on my sleeve
When I was panicking that I had
hurt a friend’s feelings
Which left me surrendering to the fact
They’re going to leave
Because I was failing
At being the “right” version of me
But then I felt it again.
A pull on my tissue encased pockets
From a hand of a child
with a headful of golden ringlets
Who whispered, “it’s okay.
If they really love you,
then they’ll stay. I promise.”
And this gave me a breath I didn’t have
But my lungs still questioned if
I’ll ever actually be worthy enough for them
And that’s when I looked down
and saw your chipped, pink nails
wrapped around me
like you were one of those friendship bracelets
tied around your arm, so tightly
Who stretched her small silhouette
up to my ear,
her dirty bare feet pirouetting,
struggling to whisper,
“Remember all the rides they told us
we couldn’t get on until we were ‘this big to enter?’
Then why do you feel you need to be perfect
if the sign never said you had to be, but just a bit taller?
Cause now you’re big enough to ride them all
but you never do
and all because
you don’t think you’ll ever be good enough to.
How’s that any fun for us?
What’s even the point of growing up
if you can’t do anything you dreamed of?”
And then that weight lifted off my chest
That I haven’t felt free from since I was 13
And there was hope I didn’t know was left
that I hadn’t lost who I was becoming
So, now I’m writing this letter of love
To the reckless, self- assured little girl
Who brought me back to life
with a friendship bracelet and messy hug
Because I beg of you,
please continue to speak
cause I just want to echo all your
untamed, reverberating curiosity
And I swear- scouts honor-
to imitate your wild innocence
and your inconsiderate roar,
to try and stop silencing your rambunctiousness,
and hopeful outlook on the world
Because I want to pull you off the shelf
since it felt like I lost so much of us
when I tucked it all away in that box
the world carved out for my girlhood, itself
And seeing how little
your shadow is next to mine
reminded me I’m big enough to reach you now
cause those Hello Kitty Band-Aids
helped me realize
I’m pretty tall when I don’t feel the need to shrink myself down
I should admit though,
I also wrote this letter
to ask about that potion
and if you could make me another?
Because its magic taught me
that I did have to grow up,
but I didn’t have to outgrow you
because a part of me will always be five years old
Begging shooting stars for my dreams to come true
And to be honest,
I don’t know if it was one of your friendship bracelets
but it gave me the power to see
All the corners you were forced in
where lion cubs learn to quieten their ferocity
where I can scream, “she’s yours no longer”
to all those circus tents
they force little girls to conform under
Cause I am not barren of a choice
and I choose you
a million and one times over
I choose the girl who unmuzzled
the woman’s voice
All thanks to that tug on my sleeve
which gave me something
I need more of
and I’ve done enough maturing
to realize
that I hope to stay as young as you
when I grow up
Cause my little love,
I think I’m finally big enough to understand
that to truly love oneself and the world
is to be as beautifully small as you again.
Brinkley, WOW. This poem had so many ups and downs and is honestly one of the most creative and moving pieces I have ever read. I am so sorry for what you had to go through as a child. I am so happy that you have persevered through such a difficult time. You are an amazing writer, keep up the great work! ♥
Harper V, oh my goodness! Thank you so much for your beautifully kind words! This is kinda the first time I’ve put something so personal out into the world so to hear a comment like yours just makes be feel so incredibly honored. I honestly want to print off your comment and frame it! Thank you so, so, so much! ♥️
Aww, how sweet of you. I am so happy that I brought you so much joy. I am always here if you need to talk and I would LOVE to hear more of your work! ♥♥
In the street she hangs a halo that illuminates and captivates, but in reality there is chaos behind her veil.
For you see, behind her veil lies a lifetime of perpetual betrayal.
Betrayal that demands intergenerational portrayal, trajecting innocence and joy into a looming realm.
In the street, She clings to Her vail, fighting to inhale glimmers of hope behind her eclipsing veil.
For you see, behind Her vail is an inherited lifetime of perpetual war.
A war that demands an election, to estrange akin to unveil intergenerational strain.
In the street She illuminates despite Her reality. Behind Her vail, there is chaos in her realm.
To my inner child I say: My dear, She hangs onto Her armor of vail, for you see, your election will prevail against her veil. Love you always, signed- Veil of Vails.
Erika, this is an amazing poem. I wish that more people were able to hear this. You truly never know what someone is going through. As you said, you were a very sweet and innocent-looking child, but you had some serious buildup of trauma and sadness. You would never guess that a little girl could be going through as much as you did. You are so…read more
Tonight the stars are filled with wishes,
I see your eyes,
They beam and glisten.
Praying to sew up your stitches,
Pleading for someone just to listen.
Your little heart of anticipation,
Brain filled with imagination.
Braver than a toy soldier,
Too young to be older.
Patience of the highest preacher,
You hoped to one day reach her.
Although small and fragile hearted,
You stayed alive, now life has started.
Skye, I love this. I am so happy that your childhood was filled with hopes and dreams. My favorite part of this is “now life has started” because so many kids think that little mistakes will define their lives and/or ruin them forever. But this is so far from the truth. Learning to make mistakes will only make you smarter and wiser. Life starts…read more
The way that love feels reminds me of the peaceful song of birds chirping on a Sunday morning. It is as gentle as the breeze created by a butterfly’s wings and as soft as rose petals. But its impact is as profound as trumpets in a marching band.
Love is the act of showing compassion, empathy, consideration, and forgiveness to others. It is more than putting Neosporin and a bandaid on their cuts and scrapes. Love is helping someone heal the wounds that you cannot see. It is giving them comfort and support on their walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death the same way that you do at their award ceremony.
Having the capacity to understand these constructs is what makes you extraordinary. The ambiance that you create allows others to be their authentic selves without the fear of judgment. You take the time to get to know them and you accept them for everything that they are. In the process, you do your best to accommodate their wants and needs, even if that means sacrificing your own. Your love is so genuine that you do this in silence hoping that they know how much you adore them. In fact, you love so deeply that you feel the need to protect your loved ones from everything, even yourself.
That is why you are more valuable than the last golden ticket. Even during your darkest moments, you are a source of light for the people around you. Having the ability to save others while also saving yourself is the most beautiful gift that God can give a person. I know that at times it feels like a curse but that could not be further from the truth. It is your superpower.
Having a purpose bigger than yourself is not easy. If it was, everyone would be a superhero. I know that there are times when you want to give up because your heart hurts. Sometimes you just want to disappear because you feel like no one sees you. All that you want is for someone to show you the love that you give so freely. When they do not, you find yourself crying quietly in the middle of the night because you do not understand why you are not enough. But you are.
You are not the problem. Love is never supposed to feel like a game of tug-a-war. It is a gift exchange. The currency that is spent on the gift is reciprocation. People can only love you as much as they love themselves. We cannot spend money that we do not have and that is okay.
When someone does not show you the same love that you show them, try not to get upset. Instead, pray that they learn how to love themselves more and remember the first rule of gift exchanges. They always have a spending requirement. If you cannot afford to spend the minimum amount required, then you are not allowed to participate.
Denying someone access to you is not selfish. It is an important part of self-love. If you pour more into others than they pour into you, your cup will eventually be emptied. When you turn to them for a refill, they will not be able to quench your thirst. This will result in you feeling drained and forgetting who you are.
I cannot promise you that it will be easy. I cannot promise that you won’t fall sometimes. But I can promise to always pick you back up. When you feel unloved and abandoned, I will be your mirror. I will shine your light back to you and remind you who you are. You are a beautiful blessing to this world. You deserve to be loved, respected and cared for. You deserve everything that your soul desires and more.
When you feel like no one cares, remember that I do. I see the way that you spread love everywhere that you go like the bumble bees spread pollen. I think that is amazing. I appreciate you for everything that you are. Always remember that my love for you is more abundant than the stars in the night sky and deeper than the Pacific Ocean. For you, my well will never run dry.
Wow, Kymberlee, this is a fantastic letter. My favorite lines of yours are “Love is helping someone heal the wounds that you cannot see” and “Denying someone access to you is not selfish.” Healing internal wounds is so important because nobody could ever know exactly what someone is going through unless they thoroughly explain in to them in great…read more
I stood in the doorway and saw a young child
Her hair was bright blonde and a little wild
Her blue eyes sparkled especially as the tears arose
In her eyes, the heartbreak was exposed
I stepped closer to the young girl and picked her up
Pulling her into me, letting the tears erupt
I tuck her hair behind her ear
Soothing her saying “I am here”
I look at her examining the pain she feels
Through the tears, sobs, and cries she reveals
In the moment, I’m her mama
Saving her from the trauma
She is safe and sound in my arms
Quieting down those inner alarms
When she’s safe, she’s full of smiles and glee
She’s strong, observant and smiley
She loves the dress with flowers that are blue
Twirling around without her shoes
When the rain pours she dances around
And plays in puddles on the ground
She loves to run and race neighborhood boys
She always wins and they are annoyed
Drawing is a favorite thing for her to do
Winning art awards with ribbons of blue
At recess on the swings she freely flies
Using her hand to reach the bright sky
She is brave, funny, sweet and genuinely loves
Always willing to help just because
Riding her bike she feels the wind through her hair
Peddling fast and enjoying the solitaire
Rollerblades, jump ropes, and running so fast
Making up dances and having a blast
She is a child full of love, hope, and cheer
Smiling from ear to ear
I am the mama in the doorway
And I am here to stay
I will keep her as safe as can be
Because that little girl… she is me.
Destiny, this is such a beautiful poem. The innocence and pure joy that is radiated off of children always bring a smile to my face. Little you sounds like even though she was sad sometimes, she was a great kid and she would be so happy to know that she grew up to be a fantastic adult with a caring and beautiful heart. Great work ♥
To my younger self.
Don’t remain suppressed.
Perplexed.
What’s next?
Hard-pressed.
Constantly stressed.
Life’s a mess.
Nevertheless.
Let out my younger self.
Emotionally flex.
Don’t compete complement.
Out loud in text.
No’s and yes.
Dirty and fresh.
Poor and blessed.
Let out my younger self
Don’t remain suppressed.
Kelly, I love this!! Do not suppress your childhood self! She is the first chapter of your story and even though there may have been things you don’t want to remember or regrets that you may have from that time, you can’t ever forget about her. Don’t leave her in the past just because you have changed. Celebrate her! It may be difficult, but I…read more
“Ignorance is bliss”. That’s a term I learned back in high school, but I never fully understood its meaning.
How can uncertainty ever have a positive connotation to it?
Looking back at my childhood, it hits me. Ignorance was the innocence and the optimism I would now deem as arrogance, making it all so blissful.
I would do anything to have that level of arrogance again without the anxiety or rage constantly looming over me as it does today.
Before all of the abuse, heartbreaks, and self-deprecation, there lies a child so full of life that death itself is nothing but a mere shadow.
Everything had beauty and the world was a plaster of saturated colors on a canvas.
Making friends was almost second nature to me even the convenience store owner just down the street was also a friend and I never used to fear strolling down the bustling streets compared to today; where simply walking across the street puts a lump in my throat because stalking, harassment and the fear of men is the new reality I live in.
Birthdays were fiestas where nearly the entire town would celebrate along with us. Compared to now, I wouldn’t even know who to invite because my circle of friends deviated into a table for two. and weekends spent by the river or playing with the neighborhood kids have transformed into errands and second jobs.
Most of all, I miss the ignorance. The unbothered boosts of energy that once enabled me to run barefoot through tall grass without the fear of snakes, climb trees without the fear of falling, dance without the fear of judgments, and declare my love without the fear of heartbreaks.
Regardless of the unforgiving new circumstances, I’ve developed a resilience that protects the innocence of the child that lies within and I know still exists.
She is kind, generous, and playful though coated with trauma, rage, and maturity that ironically protects it.
Lourdes, I love your ideas. The innocence of children and the purity of their hearts is so beautiful. They are learning everything for the first time and everything they do is a new experience. Even though things have changed over the years and your life isn’t the same as it was when you were a child, that doesn’t mean that there is any more or…read more
Dear flower child,
We had a different start. Your mama was young when she gave you life and she never stopped watering you and ensuring your growth. You may not understand this just yet, but your mama is going to be the one that shapes you into the woman that you will be in the future. Just trust the process.
Things are hard right now but the thing I love the most about you is that you always look towards the future. You have been hurt, you have gone through things that people may never know or understand. However, you are always looking to the next thing. Your positivity shines like the sun that is needed to maintain your growth. You’re going to be ok.
I almost forgot to introduce myself. I know that you have seen in movies where people go back in time and talk to their younger selves. Well, that’s me. I have seen you through the process and know that everything that feels like it is so hard right now is, but you will turn out a better person in the end.
Your big brain and your small eyes have so much to learn but know that the people that count will be there in the end. You have a smile that can truly light up a room and more people deserve to see that. You have a soul that is big enough to feed an entire world. You do not know just who you are yet, but I do, and it is amazing. Keep smiling, keep laughing, keep being just yourself.
Please know that me, I love everything about the person that you have become thus far. I hope that you continue to shine and be the amazing person I know you will become. The world is going to challenge and test you in every way possible. You have the power to drown the world out and become someone that no one is expecting you to be.
Flower child, one day you are going to do great things and become a great person. You just have to believe in you like I have. Fight every challenge as it comes because it will shape you into someone that the world needs. Water every experience. Soil every opportunity. Continue to be the beautiful little girl that the world isn’t sure it is ready for yet, because here on the other side baby girl, we are waiting for you!
Aww, Stephanie, this is so creative and sweet. Even though things were hard for you as a child, I hope you have good memories to look back on and smile at. It sounds like you were a smart, kind, and adorable little kid!! ♥ I love that you mentioned being yourself because, during childhood, many kids change things about themselves to fit in with…read more
Deep down, I knew that little girl had a sparkle in her eyes, Giggling and carefree, lighting up the skies.
Her half-creased smile now shadowed by lies,
She reaches for warmth, but the light inside dies.
Karla, this is a great poem. I am so sorry for what you had to go through. You are so strong for managing that, especially at such a young age. On the outside, kids are just little goofballs running around with friends, playing outside, and making up games. But most people wouldn’t assume that a child could have so much pain within them. I…read more
Dear little me (Simone),
How I praise you, with many thanks that you are my precious inner child. I thank you, how despite that my physical childhood days are over, I can still enjoy adolescent things in my adulthood as well. Honestly, who said that grown-ups hate to have fun? I’m all grown up, and I don’t hate to have fun and I never will all thanks to you, inmost heart & soul. I especially love and cherish you for being the source of my active imagination. Not to mention my immortality fandom for all my favorite cartoon shows growing up. Such as all things Disney, Danny Phantom, Dr. Seuss and even Sanrio; Hello Kitty & Friends.
I cannot believe how paranoid I used to be, as I was still processing through puberty and letting other’s disapproval get the better of me. Remember, when our folks used to lecture us, back when we were 13 yrs. old, about still watching cartoons being “immature”? They used to think that we were watching cartoons so much, that we were not focusing enough on reality, they were wrong anyway. It was even hard to have a good laugh, without our expounding Aunt yelling at us to “Stop clowning!” Let us face it, our endless love for cartoons, from the laughs, and exciting adventures the intriguing characters would have in their stories, have always helped us cope through our depression. The comedy and hilarious nonsense would bring us the best medicine to drink in, laughter.
While reality has often brought us down, and made us feel so lonely in the universe, cartoons have never done that. We both must agree how our active imagination was always our source to “Getting away from it all.” Not to mention how we could often relate to the many figments in our favorite tales, where we felt more welcomed in their fictional world than in our world of corporeality. Furthermore, thanks to our curious, abnormal wonders to the creators of the stories we have known and love, we have soon gained the potential skills to be creative ourselves through literacy and drawing. In conclusion, which is why with these talents we have inherited through our growth and passion for fiction, fun and adventure, grown up me (Simone), plans to spread joy to the children of this generation and the next, with our endless optimism ways, and creativity.
Overall, I wish to also inspire the children and even the young adults of today that fun, love of pop culture, or cherishing childhood memories never had to depart our lives, just because we’ve got responsibilities now. Let us not also forget how even in the bible God says “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-3). There is also that to consider, with remaining a child at heart. Let us both remember that growing up (old) physically is mandatory, but remaining young inside is optional.
Accompanied with deep gratitude.
Yours truly, Simone (fully-fledge you).
Wow, Simone, what a great letter. I love your last line where you say “Let us both remember that growing up (old) physically is mandatory, but remaining young inside is optional.” I completely agree with you! Even though your life can change, you decide how to react to those changes and if you want to enjoy and embrace the life you have, or sulk…read more
Ashley, I LOVE this letter. Being a kid can be so fun and what is so interesting to think about is that many things that you do are the first time you have ever done them! Even the smallest things can be so memorable and special to someone. I am glad that you always challenged yourself to become a better person, forever looking to learn more.…read more
Thank you, Harper! I was thrilled to learn of your comment. I completely agree. Now that I am older and have children of my own I try to make sure I am paying more attention to the first times they are doing things, and even noticing when they do something for the last time. It all goes by so quickly.
Dear inner child✨
You are my little ray of sunshine, to give me hope on the gloomiest of days.
You make me laugh when I want to cry.
You take the seriousness away and remind me that I’m okay. You sing me the songs that allow me to breathe in your life that still lives within me. I love you and all you do. You are kind and strong and your love is never wrong. You are honest and pure and your love will forever be an open door. Thank you:)
Emma, I love this! Your inner child would be so happy to know that she became a wise and confident adult. My favorite line of yours is “You take the seriousness away” because sometimes when life starts to get a little too overwhelming, you can forget what matters. Being happy and enjoying the little moments! Some people don’t get to experience the…read more
I said I loved you
But did I really?
I guess somewhat
But not ideally
Picked you apart
Judged you real hard
From this earth
I wanted to depart
Shrunk you so much
Daily I’d contort
But one day
I really saw you
And as time passed
I was more in awe of you
Your skin
Your smile
Your stare
I even came to love
The curls of your hair
The outside was one thing
And before
Only for it I cared
But as I got to know the inside
It topped the outside,
Beyond compare
Your intelligence
Your wit
Your endurance
Your grit
Your creativity
And charm
One of the things I love the most
You take accountability for your harm
Come to find out
Your heart is actually warm
And as it turns out
I’d want no other host
Congrats for all the growth you make
To it all, I give a toast.
Jakailah, this is so well written! It can take a while to learn to love yourself. Even though it is a difficult process, I am so happy that you have learned over time to love who you are and who you used to be. Although you aren’t the same person you used to be, never forget about her, because she is the first chapter of your story! Loving her and…read more
DIVINE
In all of its essence, beauty and purity
The power you hold has never wavered
You’ve built mountains with your passion
You’ve created galaxies with your confidence
You’ve shattered complacency with your vigilante’s heart
Everywhere you go
Everyone you’ve touched
Everyone you speak to
Feel the depths of your soul
A true child of god
The energy you carry has brought us closer
To our higher power
To friends, family, lovers
To our Ancestors
To the Universe
That’s why I thank you
You’ve paved the way for my existence
That is why I protect you
You’re precious
To me
To this world
You are celestial
And there’s nothing I would change about you babygirl
You are home.
I’ll always be grateful
I’ll always be with you
I love you
Amaya, this is a BEAUTIFUL letter. My favorite line of yours would have to be when you said ” there’s nothing I would change about you” because so many kids have such negative images drawn towards themselves, whether it’s something about their physical appearance or their personality, it is so important to know that being unique is what makes y…read more
It’s hard to look at yourself and be okay with who you are. I understand that you are still trying to find yourself, but I want you to know that it’s okay to fail sometimes. I know you are depressed, I know you are anxious, and so often you feel so small and you don’t know what to do. I promise you if you just talk to mom and dad, they want to have a relationship with you. It doesn’t always feel that way. They may yell and try to over correct you and it feels like they don’t approve. You may be bullied now, but you won’t be bullied always, it will get better. It’s hard when they play on your insecurities, please don’t believe them. Please learn to love yourself, because you do have value. It may be hard to see, but you will see it…someday. You will get through it, and you will learn, and I am so proud of you that even when you tried to end things, you survived. Trey, I love who you are, please remember that. Don’t change your big heart, no matter how much hurt you feel, no matter how bad you want it to stop beating, choose to live.
Trey, this is such an inspiring letter. I am so glad that you put this out there because I know that there are so many other kids that feel this way and feel like there is no way to escape this. You are so strong and I am so proud of you for persevering throughout the toughest time of your life. I aspire to be like you. You have so much potential…read more
Dear Little Logan,
Unfortunately, I don’t always remember being you, but I know how often you thought of me. You were always curious about how you would look when you got older, but all you could imagine was being taller. Well, you were right about that! Aside from that, though, I know you spent a good amount of time wondering who I would be. Well, we should be proud. You should be. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for you. I love you for always looking out for us. You didn’t know it at the time– eight years ago– but you saved our life. Moving away from Mom was your very first step on your way to yourself. You didn’t even know it yet, but at age twelve, you were already taking control of your life and doing whatever you could to make us comfortable. That’s who you are, Logan– strong, wise, and caring. I’m proud of these traits; these are us. We didn’t learn this from Mom, Dad, friends, or anyone else. This is inside you, sewn into your soul– you care. I love this about you, but my favorite thing about you is that you are never too far from laughter. You went through hell, kid. But year after year, you laughed, you loved, you found joy wherever it could have been. You never seem to run out of love, and I adore that about you. I’ve never met anyone with quite so much love to give. That is an amazing thing. But remember Logan: save some for yourself. Love yourself like you love flowers and smiles and all your favorite songs. You and I both know the world needs love, but listen when I say that you do too.
You know what you went through, so be kind to yourself day by day. Credit yourself for your resilience. Never let go of your tenderness. I love you so achingly, Logan. I still carry your pain. I see you. I wish I could hold you now. So I do. I remember that you are at my center, that I have been constructed around you. There would be no me without you. I know how many people are telling you this, but hopefully, you’ll believe it if it comes from me: It will get better. It will get better when you move away from Mom. Then it’ll get better when you move away from Dad. It’ll get better when you move to Oregon. It’ll always get better because you steer us there. We know what is best for us.
Keep pushing through and keep finding love and sharing it. Never apologize for yourself. Remember I’ll always be with you. And remember that love will carry you through.
Wow, Logan. I am truly taken aback by how well-written this letter was. You went through a LOT, and I am so proud of you for being able to persevere and always strive for what’s best for you, even in challenging situations. My favorite line of this was “I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for you.” So many people want to just forget abo…read more
I listen to your favorite song and sing in the shower like you used to.
I pick out your favorite ice cream flavor and eat it on a random Tuesday simply because I can.
I wear dresses you would love
and twirl in the rain
and I thank god for your existence.
For everything that you are,
That you’ve survived,
That you’ll continue to survive.
For every friendship you make,
And for every friendship that ends.
For the time you cut your hair shorter than any girl your age,
And for the time you grew it past your waist.
For your “tomboy” phase and all the basketball practices that Dad took you to.
For your “girly girl” phase and all the flowers, Granny threw on stage at your ballet recital.
For the boys you had a crush on,
And the girls you loved in secret.
For the times you looked in the mirror and cried softly into your pillow.
But for the times you took a deep breath and put the swimsuit on anyways.
For every trip, stumble, and fall,
And your bravery that carried us through it all.
The bravery that still carries us.
For every time you’re told you’re “too much.”
Or worse,
“Not enough”.
For every time you hear those words, and continue to twirl in the rain.
I love you. I’ll keep trying to be as brave as you. Always.
Abby, I love this so much. Even though you have matured, you should always carry a piece of your childhood self with you, because without her, you wouldn’t be here! My favorite line of yours is “I’ll keep trying to be as brave as you” because the ability that you had to shake off the negative and embrace the positive is so inspiring. I am glad t…read more