This proverb depicts a child who has been left behind by friends and is left to play alone in the dust. It is a poignant metaphor for loneliness and abandonment, illustrating how isolation can impact the natural joy of childhood. More broadly, it speaks to the importance of friendship and social support at any age. An equivalent proverb in English might be ‘Better alone than in bad company,’ emphasizing that while companionship is vital, it needs to be of good quality.