Bright and Beautiful

He tapped urgently, asked for my attention,

as I stood waiting for the signal to go green;

I searched his eyes, for signs of embarrassment,

or fear or shame or longing.

I looked into his eyes probing the depths

But just could find, a careless glance.

Reaching for my purse, my eyes didn’t

leave him even for a moment;

Placing the coins on his soiled hands

My motherly instincts let my hands reach for his cheeks

Halting fleetingly for a few seconds

Before reaching the grubby cheeks.

His eyes beamed a perky smile

And as if to return the kindness,

He cautioned me of some danger ahead

Which he knew from passersby.

I queried if he wasn’t scared of the impending danger?

He laughed a confident laughter

Pointing to his legs, told me they’ll carry him faster.

He left to join the others at the light,

And left me with his laughter in my ears.

I wished, his legs will sure take him fast

From this bleak, dark future,

To a more promising one,

A future bright and beautiful………………..