Just a girl

Nine years old and just a girl,
She raises her brother, the family pearl,
and though she's quick in thought,
her mind is left to rot.

Hair twisted and braided in twin ropes,
A towel in hand washes away all hopes.
She works hard and is diligent,
Buts it's her brother who's heaven-sent.

Cheeks reddened with gaudy rouge
There is no place, there's no refuge.
As a daughter she's just a girl,
It's her brother, he's the pearl.

It's another day just like any other,
Moms home, no need to watch brother.
She escapes the kitchen and simply wanders,
a few precious moments are hers to squander.

Distant music flits and flutters across an open sky.
With a pounding beat and a triumphant cry,
It beckons her, draws her, brings her round.
Consumed utterly she pursues the sound .

Beyond iron bars lies a familiar sight.
Hundreds of kids all happy and bright,
Running and playing and crying in delight.
She stands alone under the mornings light.

Twin braids dangle as she leans to write,
her characters even in width and height.
Her cheeks aglow, her eyes alight,
Her lips curved in a thoughtful bite.

Brothers cry is dimly heard
mother shouts those fatal words:
Daughter! Come on home girl.
It's your brother, he's the pearl.

Beyond iron bars lies a familiar rite,
hundreds of kids all line up tight.
She turns away, accepting her plight,
surrendering to tradition without a fight.

Gone are the dreams, they're simply absurd.
Her mother shouts those fatal words:
Daughter! Come on home girl
It's your brother, he's the pearl