“The Hundred-year-old china doll’s head…”

“The Hundred-year-old china doll’s head…”

The hundred-year-old china doll’s head the sea washes up on its gray beach. One would like to know the story. One would like to make it up, make up many stories. It’s been so long in the sea, the eyes and nose have been erased, its faint smile is even fainter. With the night coming, one would like to see oneself walking the empty beach and bending down to it.

--Charles Simic, from the world doesn't end (1989)