The Girl in The Glass Cage

Safe behind the see-through pane, 

The same room, but a separate world.

My favorite story book was Alice through the looking glass.

Her body, a pawn on a chessboard.

Mine, adorned with playing card symbols, a nod to Alice.

Red ribbons in my black hair,

Black clothes to reflect nothing but swallowed thoughts.

Take me out to play,

Delicately.

Pop me back in

When it’s time to sleep.

I’m happiest when the cobwebs are dusted off,

And someone finds value in a top-shelf, pre-loved doll.

And there's a chip in my teeth,

And my hinges creak,

But you find a way

To make new shapes

With the strings in my porcelain physique.