Viv Wigley Poet Sonnet

Age of Innocence

Pink picnic blanket laid out on the grass
her dolls patiently sitting in a row
she pours the pretend soda in a glass
lays out the plates where plastic food will go.
She talks to them and plays some party games
one sided conversations to and fro,
addressing dogs and bears by their first names,
'till mother calls, then it is time to go.
No making oneself sick just to stay thin,
no mention of the need for losing weight
no peer pressure for spotless perfect skin,
no carnal lusting for her- that can wait.

Inside this precious bubble, all is fine
until she reaches adulthood- aged nine.

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Andrea Dietrich February 16, 2017 at 7:52 PM oh my, that ending, Viv!! Yes, girls are growing up very fast these days and I love how the age of innocence is depicted as it SHOULD be until a much later time than age 9

CayCay Godwin September 6, 2016 at 7:37 PM This is such an accurate take on our little girls and the changes media / society forces on them, so confusing to them and so sad. You pointed out this horror so poignantly. This is one of those writes that every parent of girls should have on hand to talk over with their child at the right time and place. I love it, but I sure don't love IT. VERY well done ... CayCay Viv Wigley September 6, 2016 at 11:16 PM Thanks, CayCay, I find the increasing sexualisation of children via the media very disturbing, and recent TV documentaries on the U.S girl beauty pageant circuit, and unsolved murder of JonBenet Ramsey made me shudder. Not the best subject for a poem, but I just needed to get it off my chest. Thanks for commenting. Viv x

Beverly Read September 5, 2016 at 12:01 AM What a sweet and imaginary poem. Lots of good pictures there. I could see it. Viv Wigley September 6, 2016 at 11:16 PM Thanks, Beverly, Viv x

Daniel Turner September 4, 2016 at 8:11 AM As a father, I wish they could keep that innocence until about age 16, of course that's a little unrealistic. By then the wolves would have already devoured them. Fun read Viv. Brings back some precious memories for me. Viv Wigley September 4, 2016 at 12:02 PM Indeed, Daniel, exposure to the grown-ups world starts a lot earlier nowadays. Their loss, unfortunately. Regards, Viv

Probir Gupta September 4, 2016 at 6:57 AM Lovely ... A joy to read ... Viv Wigley September 4, 2016 at 12:03 PM Thanks, Probir, a cautionary tale, I'm afraid. regards, Viv

Connie Marcum Wong September 4, 2016 at 2:57 AM Gosh I would say adulthood comes much later, maybe twelve at a real stretch. I loved the way you convey her little imaginary world. That is the most precious time Viv. I enjoyed this sweet poem very much. ; ) 7 Viv Wigley September 4, 2016 at 12:01 PM Thanks, Connie, with the pressure of media, cellphones, social networking and current music trends, the age of innocence is much smaller than it was in my day, sadly. Thanks for dropping by, Viv x