Just

A little girl just old enough to be

Still in a pushchair reaches up and clings

To father’s trousers pocket.  It’s just that she

Wants reassurance.  Papa bends and sings

A ditty, almost tuneless.  That’s enough.

Along the way a little boy desires

His dad’s attention, giving a loud puff

Repeatedly from lips.  He just requires

His father’s glance and really nothing more.

A young man in a group of men with nut

Skin color wants to get the other four

To hear his words.  He doesn’t want to strut.

He simply wants respect and only for

A moment.  We don’t need very much more.