Why Old Doll Faces Seem So Creepy
If you happen upon a stack of photos taken in Victorian times,
Look carefully for a post-mortem picture – they command a premium price.
Technically, everyone in those photos is dead – today
But if they’re dead in the picture, it’s worth what you pay.
They’re often the only photos parents had of their children who didn’t survive to see maturity.
Their parents posed them, either sleeping or next to the family, to be seen for eternity.
Sometimes the eyes were closed, and sometimes they were drawn on expertly and carefully, hoping that their loss we won’t see.
But you won’t find one disposed of at a salvage shop; at least it’s quite unlikely.
Because they are valuable, after all, and have been passed down for free, as fallen leaves from their family’s tree.
But if you happen upon a stack of photos there, just look closely; in the pile there’s a chance you will see
A picture of a child who is smiling, but not really happy.
The reason old doll faces seem so creepy is that their eyes are often painted open, but we know they can’t see,
And their faces are often smiling so happy, but they don’t seem to be free.
Copyright © Amy Sell | Year Posted 2018
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