Etched on rough, wrinkled fabric,
enclosed by a plastic frame,
she poses, blushing,
hands in pockets,
with a delicate half-smile.

Yellow-gold light melts into the outline
of her ruffled orange skirt, red waistband,
and V-neck blouse.
A bouquet of orange flowers
anchors her oversized straw hat.

Dark hair drops to her shoulders.
Big, brown eyes punctuate pink skin,
pug nose, and round chin.

The child looks to her right.
She wants to play in the dirt
in the park with the boys,
make mud balls,
fling them,
play tag and catch and red rover,
be a blood sister,
swear secret oaths,
chew bubblegum,
whittle sticks,
attack the enemy�s hideout,
save the day.

She sighs, blushes,
hands in pockets,
with a delicate half-smile.

- Bob Miller