I heard a sound behind me <br />The softness of a sigh <br />I turned to see a child <br />and I couldn’t just walk by <br /> <br />She sat on concrete steps <br />Her elbow on her knee <br /> Eyes shining with fierce passion <br />As she looked up at me <br /> <br />Her hair hung round her face <br />In waves of golden brown <br />No smile did touch her lips <br />And yet, also no frown <br /> <br />Her eyes hid many stories <br />Of life in poverty <br />Her eyes asked many questions <br />As she looked up at me. <br /> <br />I saw the fear and sorrow <br />Of someone been betrayed <br />I saw the dirt and filth <br />The clothes so old and frayed. <br /> <br />But despite her hidden suffering <br />Her spirit flew so free <br />I saw her strength and wisdom <br />As she looked up at me <br /> <br />I felt so humbled by her <br />That I knelt down on that street <br />I felt that I belonged there <br />At this street child’s feet <br /> <br />“There is no reason to feel guilt” <br />“Or feel bad, you see; <br />I love that I have my life <br />And so you look up to me” <br /> <br />“And even if I’m cold” she said <br />“Or I’m starving to my death. <br />I will enjoy my life <br />While in me there is breath” <br /> <br />“And you must understand, <br />You must just let yourself be, <br />Let your true self shine out <br />And then you too will be free”<br /><br />Elinor Auerbach<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-wisdom-of-a-child/
