The Child Inside You
By Israfel Sivad

The child inside you is
waiting to be let out.
She sleeps soundly in
her swing for forever.
Her toys lay scattered. They
cross time. They cross through space.
She smiles. She opens her
eyes, and she peeks at you,
but you’re too afraid to
smile back at her tonight.

The child is peaceful.
She doesn’t need your help.
Her head is tilted to
the side. She drifts away.
The rock of her cradle
resonates in your mind.
She...