First Grade Friends

A boy named Rusty.
Never seen one like him.
Carrot-top head.
Freckle-dotted cheeks.
I dream of sitting next to him.

Me: A girl named Bharati.
He's never seen one like me.
Mop-top head.
Cinnamon skin.
He looks into my chocolate eyes.
And offers me his lunch.

by Vijaya Bodach