The Echoes poetry competition to celebrate Write Out Loud's 20th anniversary is now open.  Judged by Neil Astley.

Competition closes in 55 days, 22 hours. Get details and Enter.

Broken Doll

entry picture

Broken Doll

Today was much like any other day -
I got up early, ate some bread,
drank milk from a chipped glass
and stared out of the broken window.

You let me play with a doll,
ragged like the future,
and when I got bored
you put it back in the cupboard.

There were words I didn’t understand -
but I already knew that words were lies
because you looked away from my eyes
when you promised me heaven.

I dressed slowly and made sure
all the clasps were locked tight.

You smiled at me.
I smiled back.
We both had tears on our cheeks.

We set out for the market
hand in hand,
until there came a moment
when you let go
and pushed me forward.

I passed the old man
who owned the meat stall
and the woman
who sold me dates
drifting by them
like a ghost.

I looked back once,
but you were already
hurrying away
with your head down.

So I stumbled on
and when the moment came
to press the button
I was thinking about the doll
and wishing the pretty day
had not come to this.

broken dollchild suicide bombersuicide bombernigeriamarket placeconflict

◄ Art Attack

Redemption ►

Comments

Profile image

jack purvis

Tue 20th Jan 2015 20:23

Made me think

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more Hide this message