She was an adventurous soul, says her muddy footprints tracking all through the house.         A giggly young girl too, says her school friends laughing beside her.

She was the brightest in her class, say her teachers.

One day everything indeed changed for the worst.

An extra recess, says the third grade teacher.

Kids were filled with joy, says the room full of cheer.

She had the fastest feet on the playground, say the wood chips and mulch crunching with every step.

Her smile brought goodness and happiness to all.

The intercom sounds over the playground unnoticed, says the kids all busy playing.

One, two, now a third time, someone tells her She was needed in the school office.

She thought her mom was taking her to the movies.

When she saw her father there too, she then knew Something was wrong.

He was never there.

Tears now falling someone please tell her what has happened.

Your house has burned down, says the principal with an empty pity apology.

She was handed fifty dollars in a card and a bottled Sprite As if that would make her heart feel better at night.

She arrived to her house feeling completely numb As she realized she had nothing; no clothes, no food, no home like a bum

She couldn’t manage these emotions, for she was so young.

We will find you a place to stay, says the fireman.

We will fix your house for you, says the insurance company.

We will give you clothes, says her school.

But no one could ever say that she would be okay.