In the Village, In the Homes
Location
Tiny arms
Small Hands
Distended belly
Ginger hair
The small girl tugs on me
On my arm,
Shouting “Muzungu!”
The small girl pulls on me
On my heart
She will not live long
Dear little girl,
What can I do for you?
How can I save you from your fate
Of starvation?
Dear little girl,
I smell the soiled clothes on you
And I have to wonder. I always wonder
Is death better for you?
Dear little girl,
I don’t want to see you.
I don’t want to know.
But your presence is invaluable to me.
Dear little girl,
Your smile breaks the firm line
Of your little face. Of your pain.
You are a princess
And you know it.
Dear little boy,
I see the flies embedded
In the decay on your toes.
And you bleed.
Dear little boy,
You are the definition of stubborn,
And you have survived this far,
Just go a little further!
Dear little boy,
Can you smile for me?
Can you tell me your name?
You do not understand me.
Dear children surrounding me,
Crowding me until I fall over,
Laughing and smiling,
I want you to know:
It has been many years, and I have not forgotten one of your faces.
I wish the whole world could see your faces.