This gives me the scene of a poet upon a stage, reciting their words to an eager crowd. I have a feeling that reciting it makes it stronger. A voice that knows where the bullets go.
Strong write. Awesomely done.

The moments like this are like balloons in the heart. Beautifully buoyant. This is what life should look like as a child…

I really am touched by this, probably because your childhood sounds a bit like my own. How marvelous it would be if we could all be born into solid, loving families, but alas–not in this world does it happen. Still, despite the lousy hand that life often deals, beautiful flowers may bloom from the poorest soil. I played in leaves, too… and mud puddles.

It’s a heart tugging piece, the harsh realities of the world where adults strip away the innocence of the young.
Thank you for sharing.

Thanks Wally.