I’m not sure what happened

But it happened suddenly

Bad news just does not travel fast

But it always arrives without notice.

She came up to my window

Begging for money

I was left speechless

Because she was so young

And belonged in school.

She was wearing rags

And in tears and tatters

She was so hungry

And I could only pity her condition.

My heart went out to her

She was a penniless pauper

I wish we could get together

And treat children with

Tender loving care

Create a warm blanket

Especially for them

So they could enjoy their childhood

Instead of begging on the streets

Asking for peanuts, literally,

While your driver whisks you

Away to another party

Where people attend to be seen

And heard and hugged and kissed.

In the meantime,

Somebody really special

Goes to bed

With an empty tummy

Growling like a dog

Poor dear, I wish our

World could get together

To help them, to hold them

Up close, nurture them

And tell them just how

Special they are.

I wish the socialites

Would stop pursuing

photo opportunities,

roll up their sleeves

Get down and dirty

So we could lift even

A few kids off the street

prevent homelessness and despair

And make the world a better place

Without sounding like a

Bimbo at a beauty pageant.

This is the real deal, folks,

Our young ones are suffering

All over the place

While we shed crocodile

Tears just to make news.

We want to earn name

And recognition and join

the popular NGO

And ride on fancy planes

And attend foreign jaunts

Wear polka dots and drink champagne

While that little girl on the street

If she survives

Will grow into an adult

With unpleasant memories from childhood.

Her childhood could have been special

She could have had a blast

Worn a pretty, silk dress

She could have had her head hair

Combed by a nanny or maid or mother

She could have danced at the

Ball with her prince charming

And blowing out the candles on a cake

Made to order, made to honor her

Instead of asking for money on the streets.

I wish upon a star

The world could be a better place

For children like her

So they could tap

Dance all the way to the moon and beyond.