I Was Little Once

for the one who let us down.

I was little once. Compact,
without a backbone to break
or any reason to fight back.
You used to sit on me and
I was so breathless I laughed.
I was so little once, but
you've always made me feel small.

 

I was little once. Beaten,
turning purple and blue
from a long day of battle.
You used to hold on to me and
I was so breathless I cried.
I was so beaten once, but
you've always made me feel whole.

 

I was little once. Indifferent,
too wounded to care anymore,
too damaged to make a move.
You used to hurt me and
I was so breathless I raged.
I was so angry once, but
you've always made me feel nothing.

 

I was little once. Worthless,
without a spot in your sight.
You've always had all the skill,
to ruthlessly break my spirit and
I was so breathless wilted.
I was so little once, but
you've always made me feel small.

Reviews

[Libby McKeown]

I read, then I was silent. I love your work. I swear when I grow up, I'm gonna be just like you. I really enjoyed the construction of each stanza, particularly the repetitive statement followed by the adjective. I also like how the adjective works as a harbinger and foreshadows the theme for the rest of the stanza. Thanks again for sharing. I envy your talent.