The Little Chinese Seamstress

By Katy •
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.