Madeline in Paris

In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines
lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.
Behmelmann

For our granddaughter we took a small doll,
Madeline, to Paris, photographed her 
at the Eiffel tower, on the steps of Montmartre,
before many Impressionist paintings. 

Here she steps into a world of harmony
and gentle water, matches her hat to
a woman loving the light 150 years ago.
Today bombs, bullets, smoke and tears blur 

the landscape of Paris life.  Still the Eiffel
tower, sculpture of lace, stands poised, looks up.   
See how Monet’s water lilies open themselves 
to the day.  Still and again let it be 

the fashion to shape our bodies to balanced 
grace, a forward facing swoop.  Let Paris
extend an open hand to refugees and 
the children of refugees.  Let the world 

extend an open hand to Paris.

Paula Schulz
Slinger, Wisconsin  USA
Donated to Waukesha Women’s Center