There once was a girl that believed that clouds could come down and kiss her on the cheek.

There once was a girl that didn’t understand why she had to go to a church to believe something that was already there.

There once was a girl who trusted that when the darkness came, at least a night light shone.

There once was a girl who cared as vehemently as those around her cared for her.

There once was a girl who believed unicorns were real and true.

There once was a girl who believed there was a man out there, waiting patiently, for her.

There once was a girl who only knew one kind of love.

There once was a girl who had nightmares without monsters.

There once was a girl who believed that it didn’t matter how her hair looked, she was getting out of dodge ball anyways.

There once was a girl who knew what it looked like to be taken care of; and there once was a girl who knew that sometimes it was more important that she stand tall for herself.

There once was a girl who could close her eyes and see the world in front of her.

There once was a girl who breathed in the ocean air and knew that life was something to be celebrated.

But then this girl grew up.

But then this girl saw that others could not help because others could not feel.

But then this girl realized that love, while in many forms, came attached with strings.

But then this girl realized that faith wasn’t about a church or a man, but the belief in an idea that seemed so pungent to others.

But then this girl realized that there was no one to take care.

But then this girl realized that it did matter what she wore and who did her hair.

But then this girl realized that she would be dodging those red balls for the rest of her life.

But then this girl realized there was dreams to be found in the most unlikely of places.

But then this girl realized that being alone was the greatest gift one could give another.

But then this girl realized that the darkness and shadows can follow you through the light.

But then this girl realized that trust was a foolish man’s reality.

But then this girl realized that those that say love rarely ever know.

But then this girl knew that there was no one to know.

Then this girl died.

Then this girl gave up.

Then this girl finally found the trust, the love, the faith that had alluded her always.

Then this girl flew.

Then this girl touched the world in the same way she had always dreamed would touch her.

Then this girl smiled because her wings of silk could not rip.

Then this girl smiled because it no longer mattered.

Then this girl smiled because she knew she couldn’t hurt those she loved most.

Then this girl fell among the clouds and knew a simple joy.

This girl met an angel.

This girl found forgiveness for not being.

This girl found forgiveness for being only her.

This girl met an angel who taught her how to scream.

This girl found freedom in love’s only truth.

This girl found freedom in finally being alone.