Red Dirt Road, by Carolyn S. Dyle

Red Dirt Road

Burned out tar paper shacks along a red dirt road

Façade blackened with soot and ash,

Hopelessness glaring from empty windows,

In an open door a black-haired waif,

In the darkness a hungry eyed toddler stands,

Red dirt clinging to face, feet and hands,

Who will hold you, little one.

Who will protect you from the scorching sun,

Who will save you from the ubiquitous darkness?

 

-Carolyn S. Dyle