tattered doll

a much loved doll is repaired and asked not to ever misbehave again...OK, I'm whining now!

a tattered doll figure,

lifted from closeted lair…

button eyes missing.

 

no hope to revive (or re-stitch),

ever torn and seeking previous spells;

grasped by warm child’s hands

to make repairs and love intact,

to show it where to go.

 

stitches tied in patterns, condensing tired

wounds into a joyous fixing up of strands;

eyes are re-installed to look back into

the reasons they are meant to view

their previous blissful thought;

to see beauty in its reflection.

and not to see the pain.

 

dan © 2015

Music: "Kiss Me," by Sixpence None the Richer

Author's Note

Reviews

[Devons]

A rather beautiful little piece of subtle equivocal metaphor (depending on how you wish to read it).
This is executed with intelligent simplicity and smart balance of language and description. A poem that speaks to the reader in a gentle, deceptively coercive manner and succeeds in presenting meaning directly and effectively without the reader really being aware that this has happened until after. A lovely bit of work.

[dan]

Devons, Every so often I receive a review that is actually better than the piece I wrote. The way this review is written IS poetic in and of itself. I got to the end and had to think, "Did I really do all THAT?" Thank you so much for the kind words, very much appreciated. take care...dan

[Devons]

I don't think my review would make as good a poem though ;)

[GreenEyedPoet]

It is hard to watch a loved one go through something and even more so knowing you can't do anything for them except to just be there for them and to love them through the tough time.
Great write Dan.

[dan]

Sometimes writing can be the best therapy, the best bridge over trouble water. The help received from friends cannot be quantified either. Thank you, and take care...dan

[GreenEyedPoet]

You are so right, sometimes writing is the best therapy. :D

[jeannemarie coulter]

stitches tied in patterns, condensing tired


wounds into a joyous fixing up of strands;

loved the above image...i have lost count of the number of stitches forming the patterns i use to remain alive...a fine penning indeed...

[dan]

jeannemarie, There is so much desperate emotion behind these words that I tried to temper for fear of melodrama. I'm glad you got to see a picture of my thoughts, and I thank you for your read/review. take care...dan

[sereenaoutloud]

So heart felt, you feel the pain and worry throughout this write. It is so hard when a loved one is suffering , that fear and frustration that there is nothing we can do but be there to support, love and care for them through their time of need!
Great write Dan.

[dan]

sereena, Your reviews always fill me with warmth and remind me of why I write. My own 'doll' may be a bit tattered but will never be torn. Thank you for your uplifting take on the piece. take care...dan

[JayceeC]

There is nothing so frightening as a near loss of the one you love most. Whigne away as you create interesting poetry while you do it. That security doll of yours is currently being mended, but no matter how good 9f a job is done, we still feel the vulnerability and remember how easily damaged it was. Glad she's on the mend though. I know you will be taking excellent care of Dee when she gets home.

[dan]

Jan, Yes I know this scared feeling is going to linger for awhile, it's inevitable as we age that medical events that wouldn't have felt nearly as traumatic 10 years ago seem so desperate now. I just spoke to her on the phone, getting ready to go visit her, and learned a bit of a bummer. They were shooting for her to be coming home tomorrow, but this morning her doc told her Wednesday or Thursday. (Carrot on stick?) Thank you again for your kind words and reassuring comments. I really do appreciate your concern. take care...dan

[JayceeC]

Sorry to hear about the set back, Dan. I will continue prayers of healing for her, and continued strength for you. I know how tiring hospitals can be. Take care of yourself and I hope she's home sooner than later.Jan

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Lovely whimsical poem that invokes pictures of yesteryear Dan but also raises feelings about love and pain.

How did you upload the video? I used to copy the embedded code fro youtube but recently on trying I don't seem to be able to even when signed in. LOVE the music and never heard of the band but will seek them out.

[dan]

John, You can embed the song just by copying and pasting it from you tube. But if you wish for it to play automatically there's a little snipped of code you need to insert. If you are interested message me and I will help you out. Thanks so much for your kind words and review. take care...dan

[MsJewel]

Oh Dan....your words are beautiful and heartfelt. To know the one you love is ill or hurting is such a helpless feeling. You both are in my prayers.

Julie

[dan]

She may be tattered but she will never be torn. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I will tell Dee when I go to see her around noon. take care...dan

[fattycbreezy52]

I can relate.I used to make my dolls like that.
I know,i am sorry;D
But,an amazing poem on such a toy as doll.
Your poems convey a great meaning and are amazing:)

[dan]

Breezy, The tattered doll is a representation of my wife still in the hospital. I like you interpretation as well. Thank you so much. take care...dan

[fattycbreezy52]

Ooh I am sorry. I didn't have any idea about that. Hope she gets well soon.
But this is a great poem! :)

[dan]

Thank you again. dan

[fattycbreezy52]

I can relate.I used to make my dolls like that.
I know,i am sorry;D
But,an amazing poem on such a toy as doll.
Your poems convey a great meaning and are amazing:)

[Riv]

Dolls creep me out, a lot, but this is really beautiful. Dare I call it adorable as well, it's a nice come back from watching Anabelle the other day.

[dan]

Anabelle? Perhaps you are thinking of another person's write? The "tattered doll" of which I write is my wife, tattered describes her state of health. Thank you much for the read/review. take care...dan