Truth telling

She's not quite 4;
the oldest of soon to be 5 siblings;

resilient and wise
 in ways a child 

shouldn't have to be -

from the chaos in her family

and from multiple placements

in different homes 

with indifferent caregivers.

We were holding hands

going in search of a juice box

when she looked down

and said

"Oh, what happened to your hand?"

 I decided to tell the truth.

"Nothing. 

I'm white 
and my hands are old".

"Oh, I'm sorry
but don't feel sad;
kindness comes in old."

she replied.

 This interaction
and this bouquet

 made my week!

Some see weeds;
others have eyes that see
beyond the descriptors
to the essence.

Truth telling is always good.