The Broken Doll

They gave me a small watch on Xmas Day But with a watch a little child can’t play I envied both my sisters with new dolls As on the old settee the dolls were lulled I stood there uncomprehending and alone Had I reached unknowing a milestone? Then my sister lent me one of hers I broke that little head upon my chair I was holding her with tenderness Scarcely breathing in my velvet dress So I sat down to rock my babe awhile The horror of her cracking head was vile Now I play with numbers and with words Xmas is a problem to be shared