You don’t fool me

I see her

Not always

Just

Here and there

You exude

Confidence

Competence

And control

Still

I see her

The little girl inside you

Such intelligence

Power

With an added sting

I see her

Behind efficient eyes

Between utilitarian words

Trace glimpses of the

Trembling

Frightened

Flustered

Little girl

You once were

Your current conduct

Denounces her so

Undeniably

She remains

The one who could not sleep

Without the hall light on

Who smiled through tears

Hugged her father

Until the nightmare went away

Finding no counterfeits exist

For the solace he provided

That secret’s safe with me

The tiny bottle in your purse

His cheap aftershave

I suspect

Just a whiff

When things get rough

God, I see her

But am I the one

Who you want to see

See

The little girl in you