by Phyllis Beebe
Hollyhock dolls with their
parasols
Stand on the front porch
rail.
Roberta and I, on an August
day,
Named
them "Abby" and "Gail".
With frilled blossom
skirts
Tight buds for their heads
And
toothpicks to hold them fast,
In pink or deep
rose,
Their colorful clothes
Wilted before
evening passed.