SONGBIRD

TERESA CARREÑO

Washington, DC, 1863

We came to this country from Venezuela

to escape a revolution, but now a civil war

rages all around me

as I walk into the White House

at President Lincoln’s request.

He wants me to play a concert for his family

because he heard that I am called the Piano Girl.

I’m only ten years old, but performing

for Abraham Lincoln

helps me feel

winged.