Attention-Seeking Poem by Maureen Travers

Look at me, look at me, the little girl said,
I can run and jump, stand on my head.
Look at me, look at me, the pretty girl cried,
I can sing and dance, play on the slide.

Look at me, look at me, the war child said,
I can shoot and flee, cast rocks at your head.
Look at me, look at me, the war child cried,
I can scream and bleed, find a dark place to hide.

Look at me, look at me, the little boy said,
I can ride and climb, jump on my bed.
Look at me, look at me, the smiling boy cried,
I can whistle, bang drums, play five-a-side.

Look at me, look at me, the war child said,
I can throw home-made bombs and laugh at the dead,
Look at me, look at me, the war child cried,
I weep for my childhood and the human divide.