I wish I could find you, lost in the years— 
The child I was before the tears. 
Before the breaking, before the fall, 
Before I knew pain could bury it all. 

You smiled so easily, dreaming so wide, 
Eyes bright as stars you thought would never hide, 
But here I stand, a ghost of your flame, 
Worn by the weight of an unwanted name. 

If I could reach you, I'd hold your small hand, 
Tell you to run, tell you to stand. 
Tell you the monsters are real, and they stay— 
But it's not your fault they found their way. 

Oh, little one, with a heart so whole, 
I'd beg you to guard every piece that they stole, 
Because now, in the mirror, it's just me, looking back— 
Wishing for you, wishing for all that I lack. 

     — Little Me , 10/2/24