The Child Within
Written during first year of medical school after long hours of study and pondering of childhood memories…
The child within, still frolics bright,
In the fields of my heart and mind
Laughs, sings, in endless play,
Unburdened by night, unfazed by day.
He is free from all cares and woes.
Shielded from pain or fears decree.
He lives in a world of his own,
Where laughter flows and joy are sown.
Now, I try to catch a glimpse.
But he hides away from me.
He is afraid of me.
Of the path I tread, the seeds I’ve sown.
Of the person I now see
I dream of becoming a child again,
Till then, I’ll cherish the memories past,
They soothe my weary soul,
Remind of a time that lasts,
In stories, legend untold.
Until then, I’ll treasure my memories,
They heal my spirit and make me whole.
Oh, how I yearn to see him again,
I promise to become a child again.
Eliyas Asfaw
Eliyas Asfaw is a second-year medical student at the University of Michigan. His love for poetry comes from reading books like the Bible and Shahnameh. He finds poetry to encapsulate and preserve memories and emotions of a specific point in life elegantly. He plans to publish his collective works one day. Eliyas hold a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in Public Health. The poetry in this submission aligns with the theme since they rejuvenate feelings from the past and provide strength to love today.