Orphan.

He plays.

He laughs.

He runs like an athlete,

when the teacher says,”Go!”

He is happy.

He is normal.

At least that’s what he tries to show.

He wins every game of hide and seek.

Well practiced from hiding his sorrow.

He passes every day,

hoping,

that he will see her again,

maybe tomorrow?

He eats his food,

cooked with care.

But if asked,

always ready to give up his share.

Always lying he had something before.

No one knew,

all he longed

was to eat from her hand,

just once more.

He remembers her tinkling bangles,

when she used to dress him up

for school.

That sweet memory now faint.

He will play.

He will laugh.

He will run.

But with a childhood 

that will always be taint.