She’s clumsy and moody,
thrown into a tantrum at the slightest annoyance.
But the annoyances are simple, childish,
a protective sister, times tables, chores.
She is outspoken and demanding,
there is no hesitation in her voice,
no doubt.
She has not yet questioned her world,
an effervescent world.
She is shielded from it,
allowed to live in a state of ignorance,
allowing her heart to languish in trust.
But I know what she does not know.
I know that she will grow up,
become cracked and hardened by reality.
I know her heart will ache,
and trust will become more intangible as years pass.
Doubt will cloud her voice,
and fear will lower her head.
Because no heart leaves this world pure.
Because reality leaves no one unscathed.