Dear child, 

I love you,

Just know. 

I see the hunger, 

The starvation. 

I see your bellies, 

full of worms. 

I see your homes, 

full of dirt. 

I see the poverty,

and the abuse.

Tear stained cheeks,

scar marked bodies.

I long to hold you, 

to soothe you, 

to tell you it's okay. 

Yet through all the pain, 

all the suffering, 

 you remain true. 

You smile and laugh, 

You twirl and dance. 

I wish I could be like you, 

chained, yet free. 

Dear child....

I love you, 

Just know.