For that little girl...

I knew her story before it was told
I saw her
Bouncing up and down, itching to play
A beautiful little girl
Tugging and pulling
'Let me out' she says
Full of energy no one could contain.

I saw her
She rushed past
Beautiful young lady
I couldn't believe she grew so fast
Yet another interview
She had to get a yes this time.

I saw her
How could I not recognize that smile
Beautiful woman
Haggling with the plantain seller
Carrying her little girl on her back
Whispering 'everything is going to be okay'
I was too caught up...I didn't see
Everything happened in a blur
I didn't see her fears and confusion
Or get a whiff of the tension
Didn't hear the abusive words
I am most sorry
I should have looked more closely
What happened to all that energy...bouncy little girl?
Beyond her perfect smile
I didn't see the tear stained cheeks
Covered carefully with layers of powder
Or the finger prints...covered perfectly with her hair.

I see her now
With obituary written just above
Her eyes stare back at me
I could swear I saw her lips move
Telling me "it was never okay"
I should be furious at her
For leaving little Mara behind
If I could go back in time
I'll tell that bouncy little girl
'It's okay to feel pain
It's okay darling to shed a tear or two
But you must fight it with your smile
And never let it drown you'.
But I salute her strength
For pulling herself up each time
I salute her courage
For daring to hold on this long
I close my eyes and let my tears drop
You should have held on a little longer.

I see her
Little Mara...standing in the corner
"everything is going to be okay"
Her eyes and face light up
she smiles and takes my hand
We must write a different story
...never lose your energy little girl