Maybe

MAYBE

Maybe if you could have known the girl-child

who grew up alone and laughed too little -

Maybe if you could have been there to help

when she was raped and torn and bleeding -

Maybe if you could have seen the child-woman

who dug at hope with bitten fingernails

and clawed people so they wouldn't claw first -

Maybe if you could have known

all the half people who were me

You wouldn't smile and call me silly

when I hold you close and say

You've made all the difference.