So Often, the Child

So often, the child
Is alone, whether alone
And incommunicado
(Her rarest form of alone),

Or alone with a glowing
Screen in an unpeopled room,
Or alone in company.

She begins to be aware
From time to time, of herself,
Acutely aware

Of that awareness
As an object of itself.
The reflection startles her—
Wordless thing words birthed in her.