In the Village, In the Homes

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.