The meeting.

Flowing white dress, cold earth beneath

Stones that hurt my bare feet

A house in the distance with an open door

I must get there, I must explore

Crossing a lake now, arms outstretched

Balancing my body, I must not fall

Pulling myself up upon the bank

Feet hurting, hair stuck to my face, my body clammy and damp

I reach the gate now, I stand and stare

A house with white shutters, sunflowers in the garden

Why do I feel like I once lived here?

Walking inside I see many doors

Which one to open, where to begin to explore?

I stand still in this place that feels so familiar, yet not knowing where to go

A child’s whimper draws me to open a door

There I see her lying on the floor

Blond wispy hair and pale white skin, not more than five years this child strangely reminds me of me

Bending to stroke her and tell her it’s okay, she looks towards me and I back off in dismay

There looking back is the child I once was, cold and lonely and so in need of love

Picking her up, we lay on the bed. Cradled in my arms while stroking her head

I look into her deep blue eyes and tell her it is okay now I am here

Now as an adult I look down at five year old me and I am able to forgive to understand it was not me

Not me who was wrong, not at fault or misbehaved

I was a child, and should have been allowed to be

We cuddle, we cry and I promise to keep her safe

Just as I was falling asleep with her, was when I did wake

Sitting up in my bed, and remembering my dream

I was at peace with the child that was me