I saw her from a distance,
Lonely and barefoot amidst the throng.
With neither mother, father, nor assistance,
Her screams were lost in the noise, so strong.
I rushed to her and grabbed her tiny hand,
sweeping away her tears and caressing her dusty hair.
I whispered, “Calm down, dear. Let’s leave this land.
I’ll give you something to eat and something to wear.”
“I want my mum,” she replied, sobbing.
“I woke up but didn’t find her.
Last night, I saw her sleeping.
Then, I can’t remember, as everything was a blur.”
“Ah! I heard the monster flying so high,
Blowing fire, looking for food.
I felt petrified, I couldn’t cry,
I was shaking where I stood.”
“Then he came and took my mum and dad.
My sisters too; all were gone.
I found only Lia, my doll, by my side.
Look, here she is, inside my nightgown.”
“Auntie, why I can’t see my cosy bed,
My toys and also my princess dress?
Why is my mum’s blanket covered with red?
Do you think it’s because of the mess?”
I buried my face in my trembling hands,
As she stared at me, clutching my arm.
“Please don’t cry,” I mumbled. “I am your friend.
You’ll be fine, trust me. No more fear, no more harm.”
With heavy feet, we walked along the path,
Through the long and desperate crowd.
“Among humans becoming insane and tough,
How can she find her way in this fierce world?
Yes, I believe that one day she will grow up like a flower,
Planting her roots deeply into her native land.
As her stem pushes higher and higher,
Flourishing over the rubble and the dry sand.
