Teardrops on her window The gray sky mirrors her heart The world picnics in the sun While she is cast apart

Exquisite, like a china doll Her features, painted on Never to be marred by human hands Only to be gazed upon

She's never been held by loving arms Or given a tender kiss She stands cold, stiff, alone Never to experience such bliss

For she is a beautiful china doll A trophy on the shelf A nameless porcelain beauty Without a sense of self

Up on the highest mantle So the kids can't get too near For if she is squeezed too hard, She may break, we fear

Admire her from afar Control the jealousy you feel For, although they are quite beautiful, Porcelain dolls aren’t allowed to be real.

Poem by Audrey Williams Artwork by AprilYFU.