Wishes

Someone asked me

what I would do

if I met a fairy

out of the blue?

I thought I should ask

for a pair of dancing shoes,

a pink, silken gown,

and a big diamond crown.

But just then I saw

a child so sweet.

Who was in tattered clothes

crying down the street.

I saw a little boy.

Lame and blind was he.

And as he limped along,

with a small bowl begged he.

I didn’t care for dancing shoes.

A silk gown or a crown.

I had the answer to the question.

I would ask for them a haven.

Where they can laugh

and sing and play.

And won’t give people a chance to say,

“You filthy dog! Get out of my way!”