So prudish,
so fitting.
In their proper place,
miniature nick-knacks
adorning shelves.
Space assigned to them.
So providential,
standing among their own.
Delighting onlookers;
on command
twirling in whirly-skirts
till taken down,
played with
and returned.

Their lives,
pleated,
ironed,
washed
and hung out
to dry;
have shrunk
and wrinkled
with the passing time
and the shelf
will no longer do.

Michael A. Wells
Independence, MO