When Can She Be

When Can She Be?

My child wants to know

when can she be—

Run around and smile,

be carefree,

Know what it’s like

to truly be

Free.

She had to play dead

Lived the life she wanted

inside her head.

It was much safer there,

because she was spared

trauma and despair.

It was better than facing

so much dread—

Better off hiding

In her head.

No real friends,

Only plush animals instead.

She had to plot and plan

her escape,

Afraid of her fate,

but only exchanged

one cage for another.

Until then,

She had to run and hide

Deeply inside

her mind,

Yearning to thrive,

and come alive.

When will it be her time?

Copyright @Rachel Ann 2025

About this poem

A tender reflection on the child within, longing for the chance to simply be free, to run, laugh, and just be a child.