Hidden
She’s hiding in the garden
At the back of my mind
Down the long green slope,
From now to then -
That child that was
And still is
But no one sees her.
She pretends she’s not there.
Believing in elves and faeries
And brownies that come
In the night to mend shoes
And leave no trace,
Believing in miracles
And love at first sight
And Santa Claus filling
Christmas stockings.
She’s playing in the garden
At the back of my mind,
And no one knows she’s there
Except me.
Who is this grown- up
So practical and real?
No nonsense – deal with it
Jobs to be done so get to it,
Responsible, serious,
Taking the days as they come,
Making decisions, joking
As if none of it matters.
Shell to protect like a turtle,
Not easily cracked,
Revealing nothing
Of the soft, vulnerable interior
Where the girl-child plays
Among the flowers and trees
At the back of my mind,
Believing in love and miracles,
Where days are happy and long
And fantasy reigns supreme,
Far down the long green slope
From now to then.
Copyright © Barbara Peckham | Year Posted 2021
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment