little Hegemony

a saffron dress and cooper hair
she lives in fantasy of innocence
all are seated at her party:
Malibu Barbie, a blinded owl
a blue teddy bear with a patched vest
the elephant who always forgets
she pours their tea, and fashions their play
while everyone enjoys the scones and chats
of shoes and ships and ceiling wax

drink your tea and swallow your pride --
for little Hegemony made you