I am still a child.

I don’t think this will change – my childishness,

I was a girl – one who ran, and loved the running.

She weighs in my reflection, rousing laughter sprite –

I am always surprised to see her there, thought she would

have left by now.

I am not this girl anymore,

but I am still a child.   Easily distracted, hopelessly optimistic

Resilience, I have heard it called.

I call it forgetful.  Like it is for anyone, a lapse in memory

that saves

Take a paper cut.  how quickly it happens, how unexpected –

you hardly feel it.

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by Shannon Nissa Bailey Powers