The Child Within

There is a picture packed away of a child of long ago.
I searched around a bit today and found that child I know.
The face I saw within the frame was innocently born,
But when I looked a second time, it seemed so tired and worn.
The eyes were wide and staring as the pain within bled through,
The mouth was set without a smile as happy thoughts were few.
There should have been a look of joy within a smiling face,
Instead there was the pain of ages for this child held in disgrace.

I wanted to reach out and touch this child that I had known,
But deep inside I knew her fear and how greatly it had grown.
The sadness and confusion that was hidden in her heart,
Was equaled only by the shame that tore her soul apart.
How I wish this child could heal and come out in the sun,
I'd love to see her run and play and have a little fun.
If I could ever find a way to lead her out from where she'd been,
Then I would know that on that day, I'd finally reached my child within.

Bonnie
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