Sunday 15th November 2009
by Nussaïbah RajaTiny hands flicking the key to the box of music,
Wishful eyes dream of what possibly can’t be.
A light hearted melody, an enchanting power,
The little porcelain doll comes to life at last.
Perfect stance, fragile beauty, plastered smile,
She puts on her show with emotions set aside.
From passion to duty, from duty to slavery,
She performs, dancing to the tunes of music.
Slouch movements copying her graceful ones,
She watches as the little one yearns to be her.
Memories flooding, the scenario replaying,
She remembers holding that innocent gaze.
Child, she imagined being the queen of swans;
Even she had been mesmerized by Odette.
Now, frozen in time, the spell had worn off:
Odile’s deception was more apparent that ever.
The last notes playing, her tempo decreasing,
The curse forces her into painful submission.
Back to dreamless sleep she is compelled to go
Until another unlucky soul turns the key again.
Tiny hands flicking the key to the box of music,
Wishful eyes dream of what possibly can’t be.
A light hearted melody, an enchanting power,
The little porcelain doll is once more freed.
i believe from time to time, we are like the porcelain doll… we sometimes do the same routine because that is what the “music” demands… and other times, it’s only when a certain music is played that we become “alive’… the “music” is a two-edged sword, sometimes a “prison”, somtimes our “freedom”…
Lovely.. a wonderful poem nus ! its so well written, it has in it like a magical power that makes you picture the whole scenario. it has with it a touch of mystery that makes it a really ‘must read’ poem.
its true, its been some time i’ve not read a poem from you nussie , as always you will always amaze me with your great poems
keep it up !
I really love this poem!
The mystery tinged with a touch of melancholy creates the perfect fantasy setting. As Timi rightly said, you’re left to wonder about the identity of the subject. And it’s just as the last stanza unfolds that all the puzzle pieces come in place =)
You’ve really portrayed the porcelain doll’s eternal melody in a fantastic way! Love it
I absolutely love this poem
As you read it through, you are left wondering as to the identity of the subject; even though all the clues are there, it’s not until the end that it all falls into place – the prisoner finally revealed as their song begins again.
I love the idea that behind the beauty and smiles of her performance is a trapped figure, destined only to play one song for all eternity. Dreams of greater happiness crushed as the song’s final notes play out, leading her back into the darkness.
Once again, you are a truly amazing poet and writer =) – thanks for sharing this =)