Independence Day

Today I took care of me

Instead of everyone else in the room

I listened to what the little me

The very young girl who lives in my soul

Afraid and trembling

Fists up and spitting

I listened to what she wanted

And this is what she said,

“Stop. It.

stop.

Stop trying to fix everyone else

Come brush my hair

Come sit next to me and tell me I’m worth it

Let me climb into your lap

Wrap your arms around my shoulders

And spend your time on me

I’ve been running for so long

Fighting and angry and I’m so tired

Come soothe my burns and broken bits

Bring your smile and shine it on these tear stained cheeks,

Dusty and grimy and unkempt

Come listen to me tell you my souls anguish

When words cannot express

The depths of pain and sorrow that lives here

I need you to listen to my sobs and guttural moans

Come and remind me who we are

What we are worth

How beautiful we are

How strong

How brave

Come, here, focus on me.”

And so I did.

I am.

For the first time, finally, I’m listening.