Even Then

Regarding the 6th sense - the empath and Highly Sensitive Child attempting to share her gift.

Even then

Too young to be noticed

Her heart felt

What moods and feelings 

Swirled soundlessly 

Around others 

And in that connect 

She learned things beyond

Her age.

Even then

She cried

Feeling loss not hers

Sensing joy unspoken

Fear stuffed down

Hesitancy guarded

Loneliness booming

Evil lurking

anger smoldering 

Lightness dancing

Anticipation throbbing.

And she would tell them

Which brought pause

Then dismissal

For how could that be 

One so small

Could tell them all

Their secrets

Without engaging.

Even then

She knew the gift

And carried it closely

A sacred sense

It mattered not

Whether tree or stream

Or brother or uncle

Or stranger passing by

Pets and wildlife both

Would be felt

And not just seen

Each language breaking

Through the logic

And sharing their hearts with her

Even then.

Author's Note

A younger me wrote this - seeking to touch on the empathic part of me. Thanks for your review!

Reviews

[Chris]

"Children should be seen and NOT heard!" - a catchall catch-phrase from an earlier time oft repeated by 'parents' and authoritarians attempting to deal with their "moments".

[Elaine]

Thank you. Yes, Chris, its sad when dismissal happens because of one's age. We miss so much!

[Chris]

Signs of our times

[Robert Haigh]

Children often know and feel more than they are credited with. My 5-year-old grandson often astounds me with some of the things he says... wise, far beyond his years. Even dealing with death (he lost his great-grandfather recently) he has shown not only compassion worthy of an adult, but understanding, and sadness, knowing he will never see him again. Children are not just children - they are small adults in some respects.

[Elaine]

So true Robert! We have much to learn if we listen and cast aside our preconceived notions and beliefs. All of life can teach us when we "notice."
Thanks for reading - and your review!

[poetgurl]

Such a emotional read here, so nicely written and well expressed

[Elaine]

Thank you somewriter! I always appreciate your feedback :)

[Lorry]

I was a quiet child, which anyone knowing me didn't follow me into adulthood. People thought. I was too quiet and too weird, now they think I talk too much and too weird, go figure.
All I ever wanted was a bit of peace and quiet, (Big noisy family) so I read a lot, in between people shouting and asking why I'm reading (not what you reading, but why!)
I didn't even know of mindfulness back then, but if I did, I would probably have borrowed a book from the library on the subject and slapped them with it 😊
I'm still looking for the mute button after all these years, so dismissing kids as over imaginative just shows the dismissers (is that even a word?) lack of imagination and compassion.
Nicely stated piece btw.

[Elaine]

Lorry, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I had such a strong response to the fact that you were asked WHY you were reading! Oh my word! I always had my nose in a book. The youngest of 4 I experienced a rich inner life (don't you love that term? Much better than "weird" and much more REAL) and my dreams and books were preferred at times to the craziness around me. I observed a lot, felt too much!
I'm glad you found your voice. Did you read my piece on "When Joy Escaped?" It touches on being too much for some. And it saddens my adult person how that little girl was "quieted" when she finally did allow herself to be more open.
Thanks for your review and for your honest response. My best to you!

[Lorry]

I'll check it out, thanks.

[Elaine]

Ya know - I don't think I posted this. Its a much older poem I wrote - Actually titled "The Joy Fade" I may add that.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

How tough this would be on a child, dealing with the sadness, pain, uncertainty of all around her.
and how can anyone really understand what she is thinking or feeling.

nicely done...powerful story here.
j.

[Elaine]

Thank you for your validation here Jacob. A hard thing for anyone who hasn't been through something to feel a sense of the pieces - obviously not exactly what someone is experiencing - but enough to connect in a way that has others wrinkling their brow!
Thanks for taking time to read :)