(1996) Paradox Poem by Deana Rode

To look at her in a glance,
She looks almost like a child;
Her short sunset hair, her tiny hands,
Her small and delicate body.

But if you look in her eyes,
You’ll see an elderly woman inside;
A woman who has been through way too much,
Seen way too many things.

You’ll see a woman who’s been brought down
But always brings herself back up;
Climbing little by little every day,
Trying to make it to the top.

You’ll see a woman who grew up too fast,
But can no longer slow down;
And you’ll see that she’s become
Wisdom in the body of innocence.