Homeless

Shivering in her ragged dress 
the cold creeping in 
through her tattered shoes 
she walked the bright streets 
with tentative steps 
her awed breath 
puffing out in a white cloud 
Jostled by teeming crowds 
she plastered her nose 
to the window 
and peered into the shop
A big fat man in a red suit 
with a smile as wide 
as the chair he sat on 
Boys and girls 
in smart coats and pretty dresses
lined up in front of him
They sat on his knee 
whispered in his ear 
he patted them on the head 
gave them a brightly wrapped parcel 
and they left all smiles
She stood there 
till she was a block of ice
then felt a tap on her shoulder
What can I give you, little girl?
asked the jolly fat man
She looked up at him
with big sad eyes
and said, I want a home

© 2013 Uma Venkatraman ~ All Rights Reserved