Undocumented Child

a tiny child alone in a room full of children.

and strangers in corners with their arms folded

in agony, she cries uncontrolled tears

not able to comprehend what is

no loving arms of comfort

no familiar hands reaching to protect her

the floor is as cold as regulations that fail to acknowledge

her need for more than simple sustenance 

regulations with no reflection--no regard

for the ripping, the tearing, the shredding of worlds

from worlds fighting for life in worlds regarded as 

worlds apart. a new start, but no

not for this little one left alone

with dirty tears marking her sun-drenched cheeks

in a nation full of strangers in cars 

or kitchens, on subways or offices with their arms folded.

but all she really needs is her mommy.