To her

Today I met her
in the garden of my heart.
She was waiting for me.
Her tiny hand held my hands firmly,
her face empty, without emotion.

I knelt before her.
“Why do you look so gloomy?”
She replied,
“You never came to see me.
It’s been so long.
I was waiting for you.”

I had no words.
I know I hurt her,
as everyone once did.
I left her without goodbye.
I never held her—
she was left alone.

Her wounds still bleed,
and I forgot her.

I hugged her tightly.
“I will be here for you.
Even if the world betrays you,
I will make you proud,
happy, peaceful.
You are a beautiful child,
a pure soul.”

Her eyes filled with tears.
I kissed her forehead.
I gave her the flower I brought—
I know she loves them.

My mind filled with guilt.
I spoke poorly of her.
I never corrected anyone.
I pushed her into this fall
and never turned back.

My thoughts circled in a loop of guilt.
I need her more than she needs me.
I forgot her in my rush
to achieve other things.
And now I see
I lost the most important person—
my inner child.