Embrace - 7/30/09

i was laying on the floor
and in the corner, huddled
a little girl
dirt on her cheeks
tangled hair
hiding something
between her hands
clutching desperately
didn't want anyone to see

a dirty, tattered ragdoll
i went to swipe that dreadful thing
right out of her hands
her girlish grip
would not loosen
white knuckles
bared her teeth
i tugged
she pulled
heels grinding into the ground
i let go
her black eyes bore back at me

this creature
so sad,
so set on holding on
to this faded toy
maybe it's the only one she has
maybe it's the only one she's ever had
i open my arms
to offer a hug
she opens hers to me
and the doll falls from her hands
embrace