one a child, always a child
even when we are no longer children
those children's hearts linger inside us,
hidden away in the corners of our lungs
like russian nesting dolls.
that child's heart still beats under layers of paint,
chipped and dirtied, remaining hidden,
always hidden.
these dolls, so fragile,
a most earnest gift, so small,
its paint so peeled and disfigured now
yet when our larger hearts are removed,
peeled back like the rings of old trees,
carbon dating the ways we protect ourselves
can we ever go back to the beginning?
to when the paint was fresh?
to when the wood wasn't rotted?
when vibrant joy and sorrow and
anger and jealousy and passion and
heartfelt tears could be easily expressed,
shamelessly witnessed.
but you've carved another doll
another layer
her smile especially wide, stark white,
it shines against the dull colors of her dress
she doesn't dance in, not like she used to.