My Self Reflected

Yesterday on the way home from the playground
I met a mom with a little boy a few
months younger than satch.  She and her son
are refugees from Afghanistan, her companion
told me.  Suddenly I could tell by her face that,
she too, had experienced things
that no creature should experience.
It was a knowing expression.  The same terrain once
etched my own face six years ago, though it peaks and
valleys have softened with time and healing.

In her eyes I could see my own reflection
and I wanted to hug her and say,
"I know and I'm so SO sorry".