For the Girlchildren

Image by renowned Ajijic photographer Xill Fessenden, “Shy Girls”

I am grieving for the girlchild
who wanted to be noticed
who wanted to be loved
I grieve for her baffled loneliness.
I travel back to say:
I see you, I see you.
So earnest, she feels so much.
Unsafe at home, this girlchild.
I’m going back to where she lived
to stand watch for her.
Because I can go there,
now in my last years here,
I can bring the girlchild through.
I welcome home the girlchild
who has walked the long path
and come out to wholeness.

I am grieving for all the girlchildren
who are never seen,
who are not loved,
For all the girls
denied recognition
of their own worth.
I sing a lullabye for all the girls
who grow up squashed down,
silenced.
For all the girls who live unhappy
who only know
bewildering loneliness
and a huge, hurting, stifled rage.
I call to all the girlchildren.
This is for you, I see you,
you matter. Hold on.

©Susa Silvermarie 2026