paper dolls

imagine

a string of paper dolls

swaying in my brain

back and forth they dance

deciding which shall be

the doll of the day

which shall be happy

which shall be sad

which will wreak havoc

and which will be glad

gently they rustle in the breeze

paper thin like some memories

navigating the caverns

of my heart and soul

which will smile sweetly

which will wear a frown

which will stay in bed

and which will drive to town

i'll make it my mission

to color

my paper dolls

in vivid rich hues

till they are ready

to dance into tomorrow.

Reviews

[Lorry]

Ahh Lydi, I have just had a flashback to being five in my first year at school. I knew I was five because I was concentrating hard by sticking my tongue out to the left and colouring in a row of paper dolls to hang up like Christmas decorations.
I really wish I'd kept them because I coloured them all in like santa suits, despite them being way too skinny for santa.
I even remember the teacher telling me they should all have smiles too, because santa doesn't frown. I took her advice because she was a growed up and must have known better than I did, despite his smile getting covered by a cotton wool beard!
I can still hear us all going "aww" as the bell for playtime went and we didn't want to go. Happy carefree days.
Now remember, be good because Santa will be watching. And remember to eat all your veg too, because santa doesn't like it when things go to waste apparently, despite the mountain of gift paper he causes! .😃

[Lydia Shutter]

Lorry, I just love the way my words take you back. Paper dolls....do kids today even know what they are? I mentioned them to one of my granddaughters and she gave me the "Oh gimme a break" look! :) Thanks for the visit, my friend. Lydi**

[Lorry]

And we're meant to trust the future to them! Pfft! 😃

[Lydia Shutter]

Do we have any choice?

[Lorry]

True. It is theirs after all, mainly because no one else is silly enough to take it!
😃

[A.H.]

Lydia, this is such a beautiful poem. The title just caught my eye and I was so curious to read and it didn't disappoint, rather just amazed me. the way you have put through self here, with the expression of paper dolls - these dolls look like your flock, all ready to talk. you paint so many emotions here, the mood of everyday, which one to pick and which one drop. personifying emotions and lending life to these parts of self is what I see there. a brilliant way to bring this to fore. enjoyed reading this, great piece of writing. Thanks for writing and sharing it.

[Lydia Shutter]

A.H. thank you so much for your in depth review. It is much appreciated. Happy Valentine's Day!read moreA.H. thank you so much for your in depth review. It is much appreciated. Happy Valentine's Day!

[A.H.]

you're most welcome, Lydia. Thank you and Happy Valentine's day!

[Neville]

Sounds like you got an army on your hands .. Neville

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks for the visit. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

so wistful and comforting in all our wild emotions and thoughts .. really like this one, Lydi .. it's a gem .. simple and pure
E.

[Lydia Shutter]

Simple and pure...just like me! LOL E, you always put a smile on my face. Thank you so much. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

:)))))))))))))))))))))))

[Trace]

Always fun to read your poetry. You are an endless source of inspiration.
Love your vision of the paper dolls.

Huggs, T

[Lydia Shutter]

Trace! My goodness...where have you been hiding? Thanks so much for stopping by. Lydi**

[Desert Knave]

Oddly a friend was recently talking about American Girl paper dolls recently. Yeah, not even sure the term will reach the last two generations. Nicely written. ~Jim

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks, Jim! So many changes in our world since we were kids. Lydi***

[jacob erin-cilberto]

as long as they dance....they don't need to accomplish more than that...especially if you can dance with them.
I am reminded of my own life as a cut-out. Flimsy, easily cut and blown over.
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

You are definitely NOT flimsy or easy blown over, Jacob! Thanks for the visit. Lydi**

[Fabian G. Franklin]

What a lovely poem and a pleasure to read. F,

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much! Lydi**

[Ken Simm.]

This is like a deceptively simple yet well written song or nursery rhythm. Such flow and points to be made.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Ken! Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lydi* your poem transports me back in time. So many years ago when my Nan would make paper dolls out of newspaper. I’m pretty sure it was the Daily Herald at the time, now long gone. She would hang them up and secure with drawing pins. I haven’t thought by about them for years. I guess coloring them in would make them more individual, especially giving them different expressions on their faces. Thank you for bringing happy memories back to me.

[Lydia Shutter]

What sweet memories, Chris. Thank you so much for sharing them with me. When we were young, we really knew how to recycle...even the daily paper! I appreciate your visit. Lydi**