I am young and small and hiding
Following sunbeams with my book
Chasing stories of knights and dragons
While my father spits fire in my dreams

I am blooming and tall and climbing
Clutching books on a tree limb
Running with wolves in dappled light
Well out from the reach of grasping hands

I am awkward and shy and growing
Curled under the bed with a story
Losing myself in heartbreak and happy endings
Tucked away from raised voices

I am shrinking and silent and trembling
Standing next to your car
A suitcase of books and clothes in hand
A new chapter thrumming in my veins

We are flawed and tenacious and alive
Living life with novels in our skin
Filled with dragons and wolves
With heartbreak and happy endings