In the long room in front of the house
there are windows facing tress, facing road
a couch against one wall
a lamp and leaky shade
a fire place never used.
In the long room a child plays
a doll in her lap
while animated scenes from the television
reflect in her eyes.
Yellow curtains hung with cigarette smoke
hang around twin windows
facing trees, facing road.
And on the couch against one wall
the mother sleeps
her pricked fingers
fallen to the floor.
The television speaks in the long room
child whispers back quietly
not to disturb the mother
on the couch against one wall.
Later, the sleeping mother will leave
the Prince will come
and the child’s doll will say hello
while scenes from the animated television
reflect in her eyes.