A prompt

 From Poetry for Humanity

A prompt someone gave the other day:

If you could pick a single day to relive before you die what would it be?

If I could relive one day?

I wouldn't choose an easy one

not the laughter.

not the sunlight.

not the moments that already felt warm.

I'd go back to her.

the little girl who didn't understand

why her chest felt tight

why her voice disappeared

when she needed it to be heard the most.

I'd kneel beside her

be the safe space she needed

take her trembling hands in mine

and tell her,

"You're not wrong.

You're not imagining this.

You're allowed to speak.

You're allowed to run.

You're allowed to be safe."

I'd wrap her in the strength

I didn't have yet,

the strength I gained

from surviving what she couldn't fathom.

I'd stay with her

until she believed me,

until she knew she wasn't alone,

until she felt the future version of herself

standing like a shield

between her and the hurt.

If I could relive one day,

I'd choose the one

where she needed saving,

so she could finally hear the truth;

that she was worthy of protection,

that she deserved to be held,

and that the woman she becomes

never stopped fighting for her.

That day would mean so much

to both of us.