Ragdoll is Shoebox

I never asked her

to take my words like gospel.

Yet somehow, she does,

I think, leading by example.

I have earned her trust.

One day I told her,

taking gifts for granted,

always wanting more,

is a kind of crime

when so many out there

living with so little.

Kids witnessing war,

in disaster zones,

spending life as refugees.

Some children play with rag dolls

in a shoebox as only toys.

Since then, she started

following frugality,

making art of poor children,

here is one, brother and sister,

in tattered clothes,

sleeping in a shoebox bed,

and still content, smiling.

I feel very proud,

for this little kid

who is learning the virtues

compassion, empathy

and to be kind.