The Most Important Person You Will Ever Meet: Your Inner Child

I wrote this poem a few months ago after an enlightening session with my therapist (yes, we have our own therapists!) and was introduced to my inner child. Inner Child work is not a new concept for me. In fact, I did a research project on Inner Child work during my Master of Social Work Program and soaked it all up. It was fascinating to connect with a much younger version of myself, however, the impact our meeting had in the present versus 15 years ago is significant. I believe the reasoning for this is, at the time of our introduction, I was on the cusp of having left ‘early adulthood.’ Perhaps too close to my childhood years to make the connection.

Regardless of time that has passed, we have been reintroduced and I am holding on tight. She is innocent and beautiful and is the reason I am the person I am today. This poem highlights our interaction; me seeing her and her seeing me.

Your inner child is truly the most important person you will ever meet.

I See You

I am not sure you know who I am, but I see you.

I longed for you to stay, hoping we could be friends.

I tried to cushion everything you encountered,

And held you tight each time an experience came to an end.

I am not sure you feel my presence, but I see you,

Smiling, laughing and so unsure of where you might land.

Only we know the depths of this truth.

To the rest of the world, they will know where it is you stand.

I am not sure you need me, but I see you.

You call out to me in a whispering voice.

So afraid your innocence and insecurities might be exposed,

Slowly learning that you, too, have a choice.

I am not sure we are friends, but I see you,

Ignoring so many freedoms along the way.

Protecting those you love,

Feeling empty and exhausted at the end of most days.

I am not sure you want to be found, but I see you,

Sitting under a tree, soaking up the sun.

Surrounded by flowers, blue skies, and water, always,

Dreaming, hoping, and waiting to be the chosen one.

I am not sure you want me to stay, but I see you.

I need you to understand why it hurts so much to let go.

Why you feel so alone and why you finally see me.

It is time for your spiritual awakening; we will walk slow.

I see you and I know who you are.

You have been my passenger for so many years.

My arrival is not by choice, accompanied by resentment.

The path chosen for me is now mine, looking back at me in the mirror.

I see you and I feel your presence.

It comforts and protects me like a warm blanket on a winters’ day.

Often ignored because I prioritize pride and perfection,

Constantly in fear that my reputation would fade away.

I see you and I need you,

Vibrantly reaching out when I was lost and alone.

Desperate to penetrate my thoughts and emotions,

Offering to claim my pain as your own.

I see you and I want to be your friend.

You, a youthful shadow who follows me around.

Advanced in your intellect and emotionally attuned,

Quietly encouraging me to make a sound.

I see you and I want you to find me,

Sitting under a tree, soaking up the sun.

Surrounded by flowers, blue skies, and water, always,

It is you. You are the chosen one.

I see you and I want you to stay.

I am available to understand the why and promise to hold you close.

Now that you are with me, I no longer feel alone.

Walk with me slowly, my spiritual awakening has proposed.

- Carlie | 2021