Children

Bare feet nimbly pick paths
through a concrete jungle,
their whispy hair ruffled
by the passing traffic.
Curiosity illuminates
their dark eyes while
excited chatter announces them
to a troubled world in need
of simple answers.

Whether behind white picket fences
or freeway guard rails,
they stand silently united
in their views and questions.
They watch and wait,
wishing on stars and pennies
tossed into road side fountains.
They watch and wait,
for the independence to rule,
to govern amongst themselves;
to make a world
where they are equal and free.