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