Cindi Rockwell Poet Free verse

I Am a Porcelain Doll

I am a porcelain doll.
Fair of face, coveted by a young girl.
My smile is welcoming, cheeks are rosey,
My dress wrinkle and tear free
Each button in place.

I am a porcelain doll.
Cracks feathered lightly across my pained face.
I’m the one they come to when worried, stressed
Clutching at me too tightly
I’m feeling my age.

I am a porcelain doll.
Older now, but still adored by my girl
Who needs me much more as she fights cancer.
She sets me down way too hard
And runs to vomit.

I am a porcelain doll.
My face sloppily glued back together
That painted-on smile at last wiped away.
Who would smile at her torture?
My dress has a stain.

I am a porcelain doll
Everything I once thought vital has changed.
I hate my hair — because she is now bald.
Glad my presence gives her hope.
Wish my arms could hug.

I am a sad, broken doll.
I hate my gingham frock — I should wear black.
I am dirty, cleaned only by her tears
And now of those who miss her.
The lid closes. We rest.


January 6, 2019
Free Verse Only Poetry Contest
Emile Pinet

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P.S. Awtry January 17, 2019 at 8:00 PM I am so pleased to see this excellent poem on the winners list of this contest.

Mark Toney January 17, 2019 at 9:59 AM Cindi, what a poignant poem! Seeing children with cancer is so heartrending. Congrats for your win on mile 11 of my 2019 Poetry Marathon contest. By continuing to place in the contest you are accumulating points toward the final. ~Mark Cindi Rockwell January 17, 2019 at 10:53 AM Thanks, Mark! Looking forward to advancing on your marathon as I couldn’t on a real one!

Laura Leiser January 6, 2019 at 9:38 PM Powerful poem that takes on layered meanings as you repeat your lines over time. Excellent and good luck in the contest, Cindi! :) Cindi Rockwell January 6, 2019 at 9:44 PM Thank you.

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart January 6, 2019 at 7:38 PM Excellent evocative penning. Wow. And hugs. Fave too. xomo Cindi Rockwell January 6, 2019 at 7:59 PM Thank you.

P.S. Awtry January 6, 2019 at 6:36 PM Cindi this is creative, and tender. Wow... it is excellent... Cindi Rockwell January 6, 2019 at 6:59 PM Aww, Thank you. My life in recent years has been consumed with dealing with my daughter’s cancer, so much of my Poetry includes that.