she sat beside herself
talked gently in her ear
baby girl, you have nothing to fear
there’s naught in the world that
you cannot and will not take on
fear not, my love
fear not
the little girl smiled with shyness
tentatively the elder spoke with kindness
you will achieve all you seek
if only you work hard
spread love and happiness too
you’ll go far
but mother, mother
no I am not she
I am you in your older years
these wrinkles, smile lines, can’t you see?
I’ve been happy
content,
everything I appreciate that God has sent
because I know that every day is a blessing
each minute, hour, I treasure,
because one second we’ll wonder where they went.
the youth’s eyes flickered
realisation dawned
so, all I have to do is be happy and a good person
what about the other things I’ve heard?
what other things, elder she asked, lowering her eyes
the little girl said I heard I must be the best
at everything I try
personal bests are important, yes
but be strong inside yourself
resilience is a special word
you’ll learn of when in your heart you delve
be careful with who you let in
but do not erect high walls
in short be the perfect person you are,
you’re an amazing little girl.
she disappeared now
into some ether
one moment there
the next vanished, no sight of her
the little girl, somewhat perplexed
but enlightened in a way
she grins to herself
and announces
I met myself today!
(30/10/21)
Copyright © 2021 Lauren M. Hancock. All rights reserved.
Image source: by cottonbro on Pexels.com
Lauren M. Hancock Poetry and Prose 
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