The Poetry Corner

The Parasol

By Helen Leah Reed

You are the loveliest parasol I ever saw, - and all my own, - What frilly frills! I feel as tall As mother now. Here! take my doll. Dolls are for children - ladies grown Have parasols, and fans, and rings, And all those pretty, shiny things. Nurse calls you "sunshade," but I think That is too plain a word, for see! You are so satiny and pink And there is such a curly kink Here in your handle, there could be No name too fine, I love you so, I'll take you everywhere I go. Next Sunday when to church I walk, Above my head I'll hold you high. Oh! how the other girls will talk, And maybe some of them will mock, "How proud she feels," as I pass by - I'd hold you up, straight down the aisle, If only people wouldn't smile.