I don’t think anybody knew
you like I knew you.
No, I don’t mean it like that.
You didn’t have any holes.
You’re obviously just a novelty, not a real—
I mean, of course you’re real.
Real to me.
We knew each other.
Platonically.
Fast friends, you and I.
You weren’t supposed to leave us
so suddenly.
When you burst at the seams
that day at the lake, it was only
because Aaron wanted so
much to be near you.
Wanted to worship
your wonderfully pointed feet,
which obviously came in handy
during your years of ballet.
And who could forget
your beautiful, elegant face,
always carefully done up
for the occasion?
Remember that time
you scared the shit out of me
when I opened the door
and found you sitting in
my chair nude?
Well, I’m glad you did.
You must have been there all day,
waiting to scare me.
Always committing to the bit.
That’s our Dolly.
She never broke character.
We will miss you.
Burial for My Blow Up Doll
Ian Valor