The Doll
by
Margaret Cracknell
Another doll cut out and stitched and stuffed. Embroidered with eyes and a big red smile. A topknot of shaggy black wool on her head. Now who will hold this doll when it's done? The adult who buys it to give to a child will check it for safety, value, durability and appeal. I made it for the child that takes it, undresses it, sits on it, ignores it, loses it amongst her welter of toys, but at bedtime goes looking for it; she won't sleep without it, can't sleep without its soft furry fuzziness under her chin. Good dolls are like people. They age, lose their hair, stuffing and good looks, but bedraggled and wrinkled, they are still loved and treasured for what they once were.