THE CHILD

The child within
resides in a private domain,
in a layer of the fabric which resonates
below the surface of some adults.

The child within
exists in close proximity to the surface,
between the id and the real world.
A hint of separation is rendered
between the within and the without
of these adult people,
separated in perception.

As the child within
laughs at the new
and the mysterious,
the adults reply
is reflected in the lips
as they break,
back and up to release a smile
of genuine wonder.

When the child within dreams,
the adult shoulder droops
in contemplation.

When the child within is bored,
long and slender adult fingers
slither aimlessly through hair
in rapt absentmindedness.

Should the child within dance,
the adult foot is found tapping
in merry syncopation with the music.

But when the child within mourns,
the brow of the adult
forms a crease
which pinches a tear
from the corner of an eye.