carefree doll

I live in a place
Where doors don’t slam
I’m good at saying
Yes ma’am, No ma’am
No elbows on tables
No silly talk
All prim and proper
Don’t run, just walk
When grown-ups speak
I’m not to stir
I lower my eyes
Yes sir, no sir

But my dolls tap dance
Do headstands
Sing out loud
Walk on their hands
Cartwheels and flips
A smile on their lips
And here I am
A sweet little lamb
Not at all
Like a carefree doll

I’ve got to confess
I’d much prefer
No ribbons or plaits
No ma’am, no sir
No curtseys or hymns
No elegant dress
Just mischief and whims
And noise, and mess

My dolls wear shoes with buckles of brass
But they kick them off and run on the grass
With the wind in their hair
My dolls wear frocks of satin and lace
But it’s fine if they end up torn in a race
‘Cause no one will care

So why not tap dance
Do headstands
Sing out loud
Walk on my hands
Cartwheels and flips
A smile on my lips
But here I am
A sweet little lamb
Not at all
Like a carefree doll