Recall the girl with bangs so long they veiled her gaze,
and a braid, undone, trailing in the breeze.
She who kept three loyal dogs,
two cats, and a fish within the pond's embrace.
A cherished puddle, ripe for splashing.
A favored tree, climbed while the pink sky faded to blue.
She dined upon her father's cattle,
and her mother's fresh bread,
her feet dangling—
too small to reach the earth below.
When your breath grows short,
remember her.
When you wish to dig in the dirt,
and roll down a grassy hill,
seek her—
and show up as she once was.