Playing Children by Charlotte Cosgrove

There are kids in the street

Shouting obscenities

At anyone that walks past.

Their parents have guided them

With a verbal map of insults.

They have been taught a whole language -

These up and coming polyglots.

If we go outside they may run to our doors

Ask if we can provide them with bubbles

Or something to play.

We’ll oblige and only hope

They will remember small acts

Of kindness.