She was an only child, afraid of the world. Secrets stayed hidden behind her smile.
As an adult, she fears little. Except the passing of time. And forgetting.
She was once awkward and clumsy. Always watching normal life from the sidelines.
Her steps are now quick and with direction. At times, it’s as if she’s still running away.
She was afraid to speak back then because no one listened.
Now, she talks with her fingers, sharing words with anyone who reads the thoughts she shares.
She didn’t realize her strengths for years. Children weren’t allowed to be powerful years ago.
Today, she launches an offensive at any injustice, having learned to stand up for herself…and others.
She was once a Flower Girl with a forced smile that peeked over a tiny bouquet.
When she holds flowers now, each bloom looks up at her as if to smile and remind her of how far she has come since…then.
Flicker of Inspiration Linkup #46: The Way We Were
The theme this week is “The Way We Were” – write up a piece about your former self (that is, the person you were during formative times when the person you really are was beginning to show itself)
Rummaging through some photographs that my late mother managed not to destroy, or discard, I came across one taken when I was about five years old. Friends of my parents married and I was a small part of the event, serving as a Flower Girl in their wedding. Looking at that photo, I too easily recalled exactly what my life was like back then. Once again, a writing prompt surfaced that was perfect timing with my thoughts.
I still have the little pink satin gown, in perfect condition, hanging in a closet. Memories linger in the delicate fabric.