A doll’s world: Poem

I am a doll
I’m full of life

I’m arranged on racks
during navratri*
A symbol of traditions
A narrator of culture

 

I’m used as a puppet
The face of another’s tale
Man, animal or myth
A tool to counsel,
educate or entertain

 

I’m used for voodoo
Pins poke into my body
meant to unmake witches
I bear the curser’s wrath,
the pain of the cursed

 

I feel the safest
in a child’s hand
A metaphor for dreams
A voice to worldviews
Companion, confidante
Cared for, precious

But, most of all,
I love children for
recognising that
I’m a person,
not a prop.

*Navratri (Sankskrit) translates to nine nights and is an annual Indian festival.
Copyright © Roshni Ramanan