I Am Malawi

“I am small, I am brave.”

I wonder if that’s what the anas[1] will say today.

“I see hunger, I see pain.”

I wish I could love on all anas, today.

“I am small, I am brave.”

I pretend to be in Malawi.

I feel hugs, warmth in each day.

I touch dirt; some may call it “red clay”.

“I worry,” they must say.

I cry for water as I play but,

“I am small, I am brave.”

“I understand I might not have much but,

I say, ‘zikomo’[2] anyways.

I dream of another place.

I try to stay strong

I hope for a change, but

I am small, I am brave.”