One of my parts broke down today. It was sad and difficult. I wrote this for her - Melissa - who is 12 years old.
Tight
like a fist,
pulling at her skin,
on the verge
of tears.
She wants to see
the inner pain
on her body -
rivulets of blood
dripping from
her hands,
welling up from
the cuts on her arms.
I do not allow it.
Instead,
I sit with her,
sharing an agony
that has lasted
from the beginning.
We let the notes
of the music
embrace us,
soothing our
fractured minds.
Each song carries
us to a better place;
to a hidden shore,
and I wash away
the tears still
trailing down
her face.
Lay your head
upon me,
rest,
and I will be here
when you awake.
Jack
4/4/2024