Amy Sell Poet Rhyme

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.

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Caren Krutsinger September 17, 2018 at 12:55 PM This poem brings back Pinterest photos I have stumbled across, which had captions announcing which child in the photo was deceased. I have always wondered how they had their eyes open, now I know. A poem that enlightened me for sure, Amy. Thank you for the life lesson.

Tom Cunningham January 26, 2018 at 9:27 PM I've seen those photos,so creepy but back then I suppose it was the normal thing to do. Reminded me of a book I own on the old west, full of baddies posing (dead of course) Regards Tom. Tom Cunningham January 27, 2018 at 1:26 AM There was other sections like the plains, the Indian wars, the pioneer's, ,the railroad, NOT all pics of dead baddies haha. Whoever caught them would stand by them holding a Winchester, some kind of trophy thing I suppose. Regards Tom. Amy Sell January 26, 2018 at 9:36 PM Thank you, Tom, for the comment. I don't know if I'd want to see a book of dead old west baddies, but it's worth saving for sure.