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On a little shelf
By a single bed
Stands a dusty doll
By her side
Standing guard
A dusty dog as well
Nurses cap
Crisp white dress
Both brown with years
Holding the leash
Watching the bed
Where a little girl
Once slept

She put them there
Just before bed
She told them
Please be quiet
Mom and Dad
Are very sad
They need a rest
Please understand

When angels called
They quietly stood
At their last post
No one heard
That crack she has
In her porcelain heart
No one saw
A dog look up
As she drifted away.

There they still stand
Waiting each day
For someone to come
And play
The years go by
The bed still empty
Much like my heart.