Rag Doll

A lonely doll lies left in the garden

Far from a child’s protective embrace

As storm clouds gather and grumble

Cloth shapes the body

Coloured beads sparkle in her eyes

Wind tosses woolen hair

The only thing that is flawed with this one

Is her heart sewn upon her sleeve, with time’s needle

And frayed with a love that lasts only so long.

Until she lies forgotten and alone

Gazing at that child through a back window—growing

Into an adult world, forgetting child fantasies

Imaginary worlds, dress up and tea parties

The sky’s tears fall from her coloured eyes

Faded just like her child’s love.