the beautiful child

she was a beautiful child

before

life

took hold

of her. before

mistakes

were made. before the storms

arrived.

those eyes.

those arms. that hair,

so brown

and bright.

how life takes hold of

all of us

if you live long enough.

like water

changing 

the river bank, time

and circumstances

has their way on us.

aging us.

reminding us of who

we once were.

lineless

and beautiful.

innocent

flowers just risen from

earth.