Beautiful Girl

I’ve been told I’m a child of God

I’ve also been told I ain’t nothing special

Some days I don’t know who to believe

My birthday’s in a week

I’ll be eight

Mama asks me what I want

She don’t look to happy when I told her I want a pretty blond haired doll

Please. Please. Please.

She takes a big gulp from her coffee mug and sends me to bed

I know she had other ideas and there wasn’t no use trying to get her to change her mind

When my birthday came

Mama got me a book of fairy tales and a doll that looked like me

The doll was pale with bright orange hair and freckles painted on her nose

The orange hair made her look ugly

I was upset and angry until Mama read me the card that came with it.

My sweet Agatha

I made this doll for you, and just like you she’s beautiful in every way.

Your smile brightens my days. Your laughter fills my world with joy.

Go out and spread joy to the world,

Love, Mama