Oh little child, your hunger grows

for things outside your world of woes

gangs and morsels you feed upon

to gather strength and carry on.

Sirens bellow, flashing lights

weaken so the appetite

windows now your only shield

from who you are and what you feel.

Watching how the colored clothes

come together in violent pose

feeling it’s your only chance

you turn away and start to dance.

Pelvis thrusting, rapid feet

arms are flailing to the beat

letting go of all you fear

you dance until you disappear.

I wrote this many years ago when I taught in a low income early childhood center. My eyes opened. My heart squeezed.