a child
carries no weight
of hurt heavy enough
to crush their love
their heart is open
like morning dew resting
softly on trembling leaves
there are no walls
around their forgiveness
no locks on their affection
they give without needing to calculate
they receive without shame
or the shadow of debt
this is why the wise teacher said
return to the way you once were
unburdened, untouched by resentment
for in your smallest self
is the doorway you forgot existed
the kingdom was never far away
it has always been within you