One of them kicked
me. I knew him,
he was twelve. I was hit
with a board. Punched.
Chinese witch, they called me.
I ain't even Chinese. Must be
my eyes. My skin. Flowered
dress torn. Blood on mouth,
over bright red lipstick.
Lookit her burned arm, a man
yelled. Ugly as sin.
She's fulla sin.
I toppled over
the bridge.
Elm Creek claimed me.
And my donkey
fell too, only creature
that ever loved me.

Come visit.
You'll smell me first.
Rotting leaves. Donkey shit.
Sharp whiff of perfume.
Jasmine. Liked it once.
Then you'll hear
me: click of my hooves.
Still got my long hair.
Comb it with twigs,
while grackles watch.
Their gold eyes sparkle,
don't mind me.