Play House

Elizabeth can reach the bookshelves now,
she sorts each volume soundlessly by size
and colour, theme or price. She hears the ice
and fire duet - a tantrum that they throw,
so hurls her favourite toy. This doll's got gouged
out eyes and scissored hair. Its forehead - wise
to meetings with the wall - is unsurprised,
the knitted dress has come undone like vows.
The doll's house has a mock flat-screen TV
that dolly watches when she's sitting up
with teddy on the miniature chaise longue.
Lizzie says 'It'll soon be time for tea!'
She pours fresh air into the matching cups -
'Now everybody try to get along.'

(the "next" paddle will take you to another poem by this author)