by Nancy Browne

Created on: June 20, 2009

Beyond the Poverty

Angkor Children

Cambodia

1987

A group of small children

Huddled together

Arms interlaced

Shoulders touching

Their faces and feet

Filthy

Their clothes

Two sizes too big

Hanging freely

Torn, ragged, dirty

One small boy's arm

Holds a dog close

The hind legs dangling

Motionlessly

Its black eyes

Matching the curiosity

And fear of child

The oldest, a girl

Cautiously steps forward

She is perhaps eight or nine of age

Someone says something

In the language she understands

Quickly to her face

Comes the biggest, broadest smile

Filthy from head to toe

She stands there

The most beautiful girl

In the world

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