LITTLE MISS NOBODY

by Ana Cielito Fuentes

Blessed are the pure in heart, 1960
I rest in
the Arizona dirt
With my
Perfect set of milk
Teeth
painted red
Nails. Kicking and
Screaming
dragged
Into the car
Or was I
In a traveling home
easier
To be dumped
Than to be
Reported
Gone
My bed carefully
chosen
I can’t remember
I have nobody
I walked the expanse
With my Papa
To find the dream
Under the stars
Somebody cared for me
Adult sized sandals
Cut for my feet
The words in a letter
I cannot be claimed
Read:

Just a request,
Forgive us child,
For the weakness of men
And in turn,
In your final home,
Pray for us.

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