i do not struggle

I have my feet in the water by the edge of the river. A young girl approaches, sure of herself.

I LIVE HERE.

Are you happy?

She shrugs. WHY WOULD I NOT BE?

I came here to listen to you.

THAT’S NICE. I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO TALK TO.

Do you have parents? Are they here?

NO. I TAKE CARE OF MYSELF.

Who feeds you?

THE LAND DOES. I HAVE EVERYTHING I NEED HERE. WATER, GREEN, SUNLIGHT.

Do you know what the world is like outside this place?

I DON’T NEED TO KNOW. IT’S NOT PART OF MY PUZZLE.

How do you live? You seem at peace.

I DO NOT STRUGGLE.

I DO NOT STRUGGLE.

I hope you will come back here and talk with me.

I WILL. I HAVE MUCH MORE TO SAY.