Dolls

Some girls learn how to relate to people

By playing with dolls: glassy eyed, human

Shaped plastic pieces that can’t be broken

When you whisper too hard in their ear; practice

Specimens for getting dressed, cooking dinner,

Endeavoring to charm someone into loving you

Unconditionally. It is no wonder that we accept

Sturdy, straight backed hugs and blank stares for

Affection; this is the response we got from our first loves.

I still remember the crowd of porcelain dolls perched

On a shelf across my bedroom like spectators

In a coliseum. At their feet I learned that people

Are pretty and quiet and meant to be kept clean; not

Even the ground should bother their shoes with dust.  When

I offered my juvenile insecurities to their lily ears

One of them jumped, shattered like a rumor in the carpet

Where I stepped on shards for years to come. So I learned

That people are fragile and disapproving and I should step lightly,

I should hold my breath so that no one ever breaks.