Lessons from Siem Reap ~ Anonymous

A wide angle lens
depicts the features
of a girl
who’s seen too much.
Postcards in-hand
she stands with confidence
at the foot
of ancient ruins.
Her smile rests
in the long dip of a canyon at dusk.
She speaks the tongue of 7 languages,
enough to buy a basket of fruit.

Naming the capitals of Europe
she giggles, revealing her tender age.
Looking back from narrow stone steps
this is her classroom
in which she conducts
the lessons of the day.
She hustles
posing elegantly
in sandals one size too small
alluring passersby
almost authentically
unaware of those watching
in awe of her poise
in red dirt
gleaming in pale light.