Beautiful chocolate skin against a bright orange dress
Long eyelashes above eyes so dark they’re almost black
Curious fingers touching bracelets, tattoo, white skin
Little hand stops its search to rest on mine
Head bobbing as sleep takes over
Mama says, “go home”
Good-bye sweet girl
She returns, treasures in hand
Oh the excitement! Oh the joy!
Eyes light up over a dingy, plastic bracelet
Never lose that sense of wonder
Paper in mouth now, chewing, chewing
She’s a little billy goat girl
How I love you, billy goat and all
Squeezing in the bench beside me
There’s no room; tears are coming
Whoosh! Picked up and placed in lap
Sister’s tickling
High-pitched giggles
Little body laying against mine
Warm and heavy, what a feeling!
If I could take you home I would
