Child playing
in a little tub
on the side of the road.

Black hair,
round eyes
and dimpled fingers.

Splashing water on herself
she washes her hair
looking out at the passing commotion.

Black hair,
round eyes
and dimpled fingers.

She is bathing herself - all alone.
I wonder if her parents
can afford to feed her well.

Black hair,
round eyes
and dimpled fingers.

Maybe she was born
here in this town
or she fled war when very young.

Black hair,
round eyes
and dimpled fingers.

What will she be
when she’s twenty three,
a house wife and mother?

Black hair,
round eyes
and dimpled fingers.

Will she lead protests,
help end a war?
Nothing is certain - only what’s now.

Black hair,
round eyes
and dimpled fingers.