Fear (by age)

I find it rather odd that I
once a child of yes! and why...
is stunted now in age
beyond the turn of page.

At 6 I jumped a gully clear
simply challenged by a dare
even though I wasn't sure I'd make it
I took a leap, shed my fear and aced it.

Walls and fences, cleared in pace
and though I never won a race
I simply put one foot before the other
at the countless dismays of my mother

I questioned everything I saw
cleaved through learning with great awe
so wide eyed and passionate indeed
didn't matter if I'd fail or succeed

The thrill I found was from the act
to learn, to play, to be in fact...
more than I was at the start
I held so much promise in my heart.

All the years danced in the dark
I knew I had to be my spark
in darkness I discovered I found peace
a place for my heartaches to release

But now I look upon these hands
that failed to be and understand
long ago they held the key
unlocking doors that set me free

The me that dreamt, that dared to fly
that faced the jump without a sigh
that asked a million questions, why..
me that lived in life, in spite of walls and strife.

Me that never wished for wealth
but held the hand that I was dealt
that walked for miles inside the storm
to feel each raindrop soft and warm

That hiked the mountain in the night
that fought exhaustion and my fright
to see the peak at morning light...
that girl, had spunk and might.

To her the moments had a thought
and every one had to be caught
the seconds turned for reasons true
and beckoned for her just to do

to take a step and make it so
to challenge knowledge, just to know
to run the race and feel the sweat
never running out of breath,
at least until her death...
I wish you could have met.

K E-C
aka Deo Volente
June 29, 2012