In the shadow of my memory,
I hear your voice.
Your familiar touch
Encloses me in a warmth
I had almost forgotten.
It seems like only yesterday
That I saw your smile
As you watched me
Succumb to the youthful abandon
That filled my day lit hours.
You comforted me when no other could.
You carried me, safe in your arms,
Through my hard times.
Can you see me now?
Have you been watching me grow?
Are you proud of what I have become?
Do you still see the little girl you knew,
Loved, and cherished all those years ago?
Or has a stranger taken her place?
Since you have been gone, I have
Worn a mask to hide my pain.
My life became a stage;
Everyday feelings, participation in activities,
All an act.
There have been a precious few
To whom I have opened up to,
But there was, and always will be, only one you.
Hold me again, like you did
When I needed your strength;
Speak to me with those words of wisdom
Reflecting years of experience.
Look at me with those eyes that
Hold that familiar mix of sadness and joy,
Regret and thankfulness, pride and pain.
In the shadows of my memory,
I hear your voice.
This time, I am ready:
Tell me what you have been wanting to
All those times you have visited my dreams.
Give me the final piece to my puzzle;
Help me become who you always have seen I would be.