The missing child

She was prancing around in full bloom when I last saw her.
Her vitality unmatched and spirit uncrushed.

Her dreams untameable, her thirst unquenchable-

for wisdom, for experiences, for love, for life..

It has been 15 years since. 
Where did she go?

Did I drive her away in shame?

If she saw me now, she'd jump-

"what on earth is the matter with you?"

If I knew the answer, why would I be thinking of her on a day full of gloom?

Because, in all her misgivings about the world, 

in all the ignorance and naiveté,

in all her limited perception of life,

she had the answers-

answers to the most fundamental questions,

and most applied scenarios,

she had the confidence, the tenacity, 

the charm, and the will to find an answer if she didn't already know.

She knew how to deal with failure,

she thrived on rejections,

she tamed her grief,

she knew how to take charge, 

better yet, how to take action.

She had quotes on walls like a teenager in angst,

but it got the job done, cos she never brooded about the past.

She danced, 

she sang, 

she loved,

she hoped,

and above all she gave herself a chance.

She was unbreakable, untameable, 

phenomenal, kind and able. 

I shouldn't be needing her today.

Life should have been sorted out by now.

Yet, all I find are deserts and landmines,

which she would know how to easily cross. 

Where is she?

I can't seem to find her anywhere.

Tell her, I'm looking for her, won't you? Tell her-

I miss her wisdom, 

I miss her resilience,

I miss her fortitude,

I miss her.

I have nothing of what she has,

and I could use her guidance for a bit.

Is this what old age does to one?

There is a missing child,

Please help me find her,

I may foolishly have had her exiled. 

aeroyogi

21/01/2024