Ode to Little Dominique
A letter to my Inner Child
This is for Little Dominique.
The boy who’s kryptonite is rejection.
The one who finally escaped abandonment.
Only to find his soul once again tortured.
I want you to know, Little Dominique.
You are not the sum of any misfortunes.
You are worthy. You are lovable. You are able to belong.
You are seen by a God who is all and in all.
He knew exactly what He was doing.
When He stood around all that existed
And realized someone intrinsic was missing.
My love, it was you He envisioned.
With His Breath, He chose to breathe.
With His Words, He chose to speak.
He perfectly designed your very essence.
From the crown of your head to the sole of your feet.
He broadcasted his Work of Art to all of Earth and Heaven.
He put you on display as He was proud of who manifested.
He declared that, “You are good. You are sublime.”
You are Purity, Beauty, and Excellence intertwined.
Twin, You are even The Splitting Image of the Divine.
I might even say The Apple of His Eye.
Anything else you have heard was a lie.
You have been Adorned by God before inception.
You were born with purpose and you are a message.
You and the Most High have always been connected.
If God is good, then you are the evidence.
Anything contrary to this is just a misconception.
Your quest to find meaning in life was your own decision.
You looked for your Creator before anyone introduced you to religion.
You were always led to seek divine answers.
When you were met with unfavorable circumstances.
You were directed to New Hope Baptist Church in Virginia.
But you opened your own mouth to read the scriptures.
In front of the entire congregation, you shared your gifts.
As words of prophecy and blessing spilled from your lips.
You saw everyone drink of the wine and eat of the bread.
You may have been nine. But your soul desired to be fed.
You immersed your body in the cold rigid waters.
Because you were already one with the Father.
You highlighted verses in the King James Version.
Words that you couldn’t pronounce
But one day, would be apart of your own sermon.
Nobody directed you to read or pray
Or ask God to save you from secrets you faced.
It was of your own volition that
You took steps in faith.
Whether the Mount Caramel Shuttle or Uncle George’s van,
You found a way into Sunday School.
The Lord had you in His Hand.
You are His child and He never looked at you any differently.
No matter what was said about your propensities.
Your feminine tendencies. Your high pitched melodies.
Your playing with Barbies. Your artistic remedies.
Your academic excellency. And your reserved personality.
Inner Child, God is in all those things.
God is a single mother working two jobs, looking after her young.
God is a cancer survivor dancing and singing at the top of her lungs.
God is a toddler drawing pictures to distract himself from abuse.
God is a teenager becoming a man without a father in view.
Some people have pulled at your fabric and caused many tears.
Some have intentionally ripped the garment of praise you wear.
You may only see strands of brokenness and unloose braids.
But you are crocheted by a Creator whose love is threaded in your DNA.
You didn’t ask to be taken apart… to be unfastened.
And I’m sorry you had to hide everything that happened.
It’s all buried deep in the crevices of your subconscious.
You were protecting yourself which is why I’ve proceeded with caution.
Dominique, You shouldn’t have been forced to give a performance.
You didn’t have to adjust your speech for others to be at ease.
I’m sorry you had to alter your appearance
And accept terms and conditions of a corrupted creed.
You were meant to be loved by a family.
Not just selected for membership.
You were meant to have a clear head.
Not a brain filled with emptiness.
You were meant to believe freely.
Not be a slave to religion’s curse.
You were built with healing properties
To prepare you for the absolute worst.
I know childhood is something you prefer to forget.
Because of the pain and what it cost.
I agree the spiritual trauma is best left suppressed.
Because of the heartache. And actions of the flock.
But Dominique, I am forever. Forever indebted
To you to do the work and recover what was lost.
We will triumph side by side. Through blood, tears, and sweat.
Like the criminal, thief, and Son on the cross.
Rejection may be your kryptonite
But resilience is your super strength.
I will be a witness to your victory!
I will see your redemption come through.
Little Dominique, it’s going to be okay.
You are safe with me, and I love you.
Written by Devans Eli. Copyright 2024 by Devans Eli. All rights reserved.