ALLEY PLAYGROUND
By
Chief Swift Eagle

Today I saw two tots in diapers playing in an alley.
Their mothers gossiped as they strolled
and noted not the refuse.
I thought poor things, as they ambled on,
what miserable surroundings.
Too bad they live in this crummy slum,
children shouldn't play in an alley.

While I stared through the tears in my eyes,
Light-laughter filled my ears.
I had to take a second look,
To see what I could hear.

They didn't seem unhappy or down-trodden when I saw,
The cherubs with their glowing cheeks
bounce on the hot sidewalk.
Rusty nail there, a broken bottle here,
their feet were guided well,
By some invisible force of God that protects
young innocents.

Their little bodies shook with giggles.
They oozed pure happiness.
My eyes were cleared as I realized,
All that I had missed.

They had Mom's love and fellowship,
I would not take their joy,
By pointing to what they had not.
They knew not they were poor.

Copyrights 1987 - All Rights Reserved

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