The cries of the gulls
as they swoop and soar
across the flat wooden slats
of the pier
ducking, diving, dodging
as the girl stares
wondering
at the vista before her.
Do you see the scars?
The gashes of life
that run across her soul
once covered by a plastered smile?
A rosy, painted smile.
Under the cover of day
she watches
wishes
wonders
where is her childhood now?
Years have passed
leaving their mark
moving onto the next
altering, amending, amplifying
her age anew.
Yet beneath the wrinkled exterior
beats the heart of the girl
who wonders.
© S. McLean 1999
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