A Maze Deep · a dedication

For the one who signed their name

and for the person they have become, and are becoming

A page from a life, in glowing line work: a girl of about twelve with wild dark curls sits near the front of towering bleachers, behind the scoring table, watching two wrestlers on the mat. On the wall, a clock reads 3:42.

Every day I miss you.

Every day I find more I wish I could hand you.

Every day I work to be a better sister, so that when we hug again you feel and know my love in its fullness, and know I love you exactly as you are.

I always have.

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This was written to you at eleven, and twelve, and thirteen, and fourteen — the most intense years of becoming — and to you now.

And past you, it is written for every child who needs to ask for more love and does not know how.

Someone can see you. Even if it is only your own reflection, it is worth being seen.