Baby Doll
Bought at flea market
from gypsy
cards spread on
shaky table
bones and beads piled
in copper bowl
mangy crow
on her shoulder…
“Belonged to a girl
just like you,”
mother handed her
a dollar…
“Died last June,”
I thought she said
lips trembling
hands shuffling
slowly
I love my pretty doll
did not care
when eyes turned from
blue to red
or rosebud lips
became an ugly scowl
when blood stained
clothing filled my drawers
No tears
when big
sister disappeared,
or when Father’s
body washed up
on the beach
Now razor teeth
protrude
over parched lips
devilish gaze
on Mother’s Carotid
Baby doll
nestles in my arms
soft growl
knowing smile…
Gypsy laugher…
Now I wonder
where she’ll
bury me
