ten

a small classroom
neatly spaced rows of eyes
we introduce ourselves
                                one by one
they respond
mira ivan peter anslov
tied together like paper dolls
neckties scarves skirts and suits
perfect polite cautious smiles
                                         cross each disciplined face
an english class
we sit and listen and
to our surprise feel lost in flawless fashioned grammar
a language strange precise
and lifeless

we cross and meet
to swap and give
buttons stickers badges postcards
they eagerly embrace our western trinkets
and humbly
please and thank you