Old Friends

Puffy fat potato heads, skinny stockings sewn, bunched and hunched in bedrooms where they’re scattered, scrapped, or thrown. Clara, Dolly, Elmo, Sally, three wise sisters, Mr. mittens; shoes and bags, skins in rags, scars from dog-teeth bitten. Clothing torn, striped or plaid, missing parts they never had, history’s pages on their faces; looking forlorn, sad. Children’s memories locked inside, forever silent keeping . Days caressed in sunshine blessed; or hugged, to stem the weeping. Playmates past, forgotten days, lost within each one; days recalled in tracing touch; teatime’s cradled fun. Diaries of tearful words, smiles and laughter banking; stories shared of lost pets found, a scolding, or a spanking. Secrets gave in sacred trust; travels, hopes, and dreams; stitched for unknown days ahead, inside their crooked seams. Hands to Hold; Courage Given; needed tug or shove. Closest Friends and Dearest Ones, Safety Nets of Love. Refuge when the world at large; became too large to bear. Afraid and lonely in the dark when only they were there. We talk with all our Friends and Neighbors, Teacher, Husband, Wife Long outgrown the need for dolls, to help us deal with life. Fears and Trials, Tears and Laughter, shared in other ways; but in our heart a prayer felt, and in our throat a lump still stays; For none retain the deepest feelings only children show; but those we clung to growing up, with love they could not know. That secret room, of memories filled, with friends we’ll not forget. All left behind in closets dark, who travel with us yet.