Hardened children never grow up.

Leap for, pray for, weep
for the inner child--
her secrets asleep.
How could she live, cope . . .
molested, abused?
She blocked herself in . . .
and she never lived.

Watch for, listen, know,
your real inner child.
How does 'growing' feel?
Love thrives deep inside . . .
what if it didn't?
How would she know love . . .
if it didn't abide?

Remember and cry
for the inner child
(without tearful eyes)--
tortured, discarded
who does things 'their way'.
Some dwell in prisons
of their own making.

Leap for, pray for, weep,
for the inner child
sans hope, charity.
Their heart has turned cold,
they've blinded their souls
to all misery.
What will that child be?

Don't, please, follow
that 'lost' inner child
that wanders restless.
You won't have a chance
to find happiness.
Do bury that hurt
somewhere in your heart.

It jumps, thumps, and knocks--
that old inner child--
unsteady,unwise,
but your mind's the key.
Don't open that door . . .
relive what's behind.
You deserve sweet peace.

Leap for, pray for, weep . . .
for inner children
. . . now let loose--we'll pay.