Your room remains unchanged-
just as it was when you went away-
Care Bears and books still arranged,
your dolls all lined up on display.

On the table by the window nigh-
miniature Briar horses on array-
now gather dust not knowing why
you nevermore come in to play.

The Gingham Dog and Calico Cat
are held captive behind your door-
Green Eggs and Ham and a crooked hat
bring a smile to your face no more.

There are no more Easter eggs to dye-
or costume parties on Halloween-
no more sugar and spice or kites to fly-
no more baby kittens to wean.

Annie remains forever young-
but not so real little girls-
childhood times are too soon done-
stolen away as time unfurls.

Cabbage Patch Kids and lets pretend
have given way to grown-up things.
I always knew that these must end-
bitter-sweet memories each now brings.

@ 2000