Holding herself upright 

She walks about tall

None suspects she might

Be just about to fall.

‘Be brave, be strong’

Is all she was told

‘Weakness is wrong

You have to be bold’.

‘Suppress your fears

Push down on your pain

Keep hidden your tears

Stay out of the rain.’

One day she snapped

Let loose a loud scream

Her brittle veneer cracked

Woke up from her dream.

Now she jumps into puddles

Unmindful of muddy stains

Gives herself warm cuddles

Leaps over shallow drains.

When you see a happy girl

Be sure to share a smile 

Cheer her dance, twirl & swirl

She has travelled a long mile