look at these kids

their bones soft

their breath loud

—and I think

how dare you   mortality

 

their small hands 

know more 

of this earth

butterflies dirt moon

 

rain cups 

in their flesh

and toes wiggle

alive in the muck

blood on fingers

arguing back

 

they want to hold

Everything.

 

one raises her hand

"i love this story"

and god   i know

i love it too

 

(how fragile)

(how fierce)

this little life

 

defiant.