Old China Patterns

Little Violet stretched on tip-toe
Nose pressed to the window pane,
Ivory skin stained by teardrops
Tangled ringlets, a cascading mane.

Tiny hands clench the worn sill
Stockinged feet touch the skirting,
Rose-bud mouth all a tremble,
Why is poor Violet hurting?

Purple dress hangs in creases
With its leg of mutton sleeves,
Violet's breath mists the plate glass
Obscuring most of what she sees.

Rolling tears splash crushed velvet
Ribbons loosen golden hair,
Stifled sobs fill the parlour
Red hot coals warm frosted air.

Sickness bars her from playing
Outside on the frozen grass,
Patch her puppy can't console her
As she sees her school friends pass.

Scurrying on from pond to playground
School bell sounds the start of day,
Hoops and books and the sound of laughter
Must pass her window on the way.