a small child has taken camp
in my intestines
she clutches
to my innards
holding on for her
dear little life
my stomach twists
howls at me
begging for relief
but she is afraid
she will not let go
in the morning
I awaken, as I should
I suggest a shower
and dress, as I should
I advise eating
sometimes the little girl
is too afraid
squeezing so loudly
making digestion impossible
some days
I skip that part altogether
I drive
I work
I laugh
I smile
practice courtesy
compliment
understanding
patience
return back to shelter
out of the
distraction of
a
daily life
back to the voice of
a scared little child.
maggiemaeijustsaythis 
I like this one a lot… Completely relatable
Well written…
You take us into our own lives, with your resonant reflections. Where are the roots of IBS, and so many other syndromes
Beautiful work Maggie…
that is so good one….
Lovely, Maggie. This in particular:
I drive
I work
I laugh
I smile
practice courtesy
compliment
understanding
patience
So easy to relate, so well expressed. Thank you!
You certainly expressed how someone would feel when scared inside. So many abused/neglected children grow up to do lots of good things, but inside pain does remain. Just hope the pain can one day at least lesson or heal altogether. Take care. Sincerely, Connie Webb
Sad and sweet and eloquent.
Bravo! I love it..
I love the imagery. For a moment, I thought it was about pregnancy. But towards the end it all became clear. Keep up the great work. Take care and cheers!
Stunning, evocative, and something I know only too well. Beautifully expressed Maggie.
I feel I just need to hug you and make it all better.
stirring..
Any poet with the strength of your voice long ago grew out of the little child’s voice in your stomach, but the voice of this poem, again, is strong and hits a note that can be universally recognized.
Our masks and theatre costumes again. Our daily performances of “being normal”, of “fitting in”. Our careful artifices and edifices. And someone’s careless word can bring the whole thing crashing down. So fragile.
I’ve been in this place, and you “clutch my innards” too.
Wow!
Just wow.
In a very good way.
That’s very effective and forceful. The ambush works like a treat. Many thanks.