Little Girl, Fluffy Hair

I saw you come in with your grandmother in a wheelchair.

It wasn’t the first time I saw you, she was berating you

again…

I felt jumpy and scared just listening to it, I tried to get close to you,

to put a little kindness in your day.. You wouldn’t meet my eyes.

I said, “I like your puppy. It’s cute.” A floppy stuffed animal.

You didn’t hear me.

The grandmother says, “Thank you!” Talking about the dog in her lap.

The dog in a coat that she kept screeching about, why she hoarded nickels and dimes away from you-

The dog needed a coat she said.

Jesus, I thought. She loves the dog more than the kid.

I know it’s wrong. Maybe she’s ill. Maybe somewhere in her icy, little heart she loves her. I should have compassion, reserve judgement..

But I wanted to climb in her lap

and slap that

screeching

mouth

shut.

Little girl, fluffy hair

Round cheeks and

tummy

and sad brown eyes…

If I had all the right words, I would write

a poem for you, a real one.

Tell you you are special

and loveable.. and worth the extra nickels

your grandmother begrudges you.

Little girl, fluffy hair

I hope you grow up and are strong enough

to love yourself.

2012 by: Chrissy Miles