The Dolls

The dolls are happy in their parlour -

Their painted expressions say so,

Anyway. And they are loved - 

Love is time, patience and placing them

Carefully on crafted chairs

For miniature people.

Protected from the heat of the Sun,

Uncertainty and playground enemies 

What could they want for?

Yet they always seem to be

Looking beyond -

A glaze in their eyes

Behind the tiny teapot

Like some days

They want to smash predictability 

And sweep it under the gowns 

They didn't choose to wear.

LJ Ireton 2022

Helpless

I think of all the scared, suffering animals I can't reach -

On roads, in trucks, 

On the other side of human understanding.

My small hands can't cross over

Disconnection.

I touch my cat's forehead with my own -

As if that can channel a message 

To all creatures - perhaps it can.

But if it can't - 

For all my helplessness,

One animal will know it is loved.

LJ Ireton 2022

Enough

Yes, I know that I am capable
And that I could create this and that 
And all the things you mention -

But I like doing this.

And that should be enough.

LJ Ireton 2022.