A long pigtail tied
with a bright red ribbon.
Wild eyes that,
when laughing,
dance.
White nylon socks
disappearing
into pale pink
canvas shoes.
Working the treadle of
her sewing machine.
Daughter of a
Tailor.
So called the
Little Chinese Seamstress
Not completely
illiterate.
Not completely
naive.
From listening 
intently to stories.
To falling 
in love for the first time.
To making 
love for the first time.
To missing vital weeks. 
And ending the life of
One 
she had yet to meet.
No longer 
pale pink canvas.
Give way for
stark white tennis shoes.
Goodbye red ribbon
and long pigtail.
Hello short bob.
City clothes replacing
former fashions.
The influence of
Literature.