Little Boy

Little boy
Why do you sit so quietly, not
Looking up?
Your hot hands clasped, your feet
Hanging over the edge of the chair,
You will not speak nor will you
Smile….

Little boy
We have offered you cake,
All little boys like cake,
Do they not?
We beg of you, be not so shy,
We try our best….

Little boy
Go and play with your Cousin Mary,
She will not hurt you.
She will show you her sandbox.
Her swing.
Her skates.
We will be so grateful.

Little boy
We try to imagine that you are
Dreaming
Of giants,
Of Indians,
Of castles.
But why do you laugh so when
Cousin Mary falls and hurts her knee.