Photo: Dichotomy

There is a dichotomy in the lives of the children of the mountains of northern Thailand. Children take on the responsibilities of adulthood much earlier. Yet, they still run, sing, and laugh as children should.
I met this little girl in a Lisu Village north of Chiang Dao. She was quiet and her expressions were so mysterious. There was seriousness in her posture and intensity in her eyes. Yet, there was a smile, ever so small. It was a hint of the innocence of youth. If I may be allowed a moment of arrogance, this is my Mona Lisa.