I Wish I had Known

I wish I had known when I was a child
My cartwheels were exquisite
So too was my smile

I wish I had known when I was a teen
I was neither too tall 
Nor too fierce nor too meek

I wish I had known when I felt alone
That I was the fire
That should’ve been cloned

I wish I had known when dripping in fear
That facing my demons
Would spawn what’s now clear

I wish I had known that my broken heart
Was earnestly mending
Not tearing apart

I wish I had learned from women before
That age grants permission
To embrace our own flaws

I no longer recoil from what lies ahead
For so much anxiety 
At long last can rest

Though I am grateful I still have a wish
That my children know
They are perfect as is

My child in Monteriggioni, Italy - 2013
Photo by Alina de Albergaria
© pennedbyalina 2021