In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

169 The First Night Judith Levy Straus The child looks around With eyes wide open, But cannot comprehend What the eyes see So many in one room . . . People sleeping in their clothes . . . And in dirt. Long lines for watery soup . . . Grown-ups pushing each other . . . And yelling. Beds stacked three high . . . With straw mattresses that itch . . . And bugs that bite. No bathrooms, no kitchens, No real food, no toys, And grown-ups crying. The child closes her eyes She does not want to see, She does not want to hear. She does not want to feel How afraid she is. ...

Share