"Peek-a-boo! I see you!"

She doesn't understand the words
but understands the game
and smiles as I cover my eyes
Giggles with glee when I pull away my hands
and make a silly face

"I'm gonna get ya!"

I lunge for her, missing on purpose
And she runs, squealing laughter
to hide behind her older sister's skirt
who, though twelve, looks at me longingly
"May I play, too?", in her work worn gaze

I grab for both of them-
They scatter, daring me to catch them
just children again
carefree babies

"Dlo, Ti Fi!"

Mother calls
They perch the buckets of river water back on their braided heads
And start toward the voice

The little one looks back, and smiles
"Pita", she whispers,
bending the tips of her fingers to wave

I do not understand the words
But understand we are now friends

I wave too
I wink
She laughs
And I am grateful that I know the game.

LMA October 2001