Paper Dolls

By Tessa Frey-Mclean

trees painting skies
walking under the dimming light
looking for relief that we can’t find
as our faces darken beneath the pines

splintered footsteps lost in the dark
a trail of wonders that leaves no mark
as feet grow weary and the trees grow sparse
the trail trails off like a lonely spark

paper dolls glide in the forest
as forest fires seek to destroy us
set by the very ones we love
unaware as they burn us up

paper dolls alight from within
outside we appear un- singed
chasing the whispers that fan the flames
searching for the love that won’t be claimed

skies outlining the clouds
a beautiful chaos to backdrop the sound
of forest fires being put out
the clouds feed on smoky doubts

lost hearts calling in the dark
on trails that still leave no mark
as convincing fires drive them apart
paper-thin echoes give away where we are

paper dolls glide through the forest
as forest fires seek to destroy us
set by the very ones we love
unaware as they burn us up

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