doll’s gift

defeated in battle

her legs the price

a warrior lays dying

before a grand golden cage

a doll looks down at her

from within, eyes unblinking

her own legs folded underneath her

unused for centuries

“would you like my legs?

I have no use for them

I am sure you would

make them strong again”

the warrior, with the long legs of a doll

gains grace and speed

quite unlike what she had before

she gained glory and revenge

and treasured the gift

swearing to return them

on the day the doll was free from her cage

the doll faired no different

with legs or not

gained a protector

and a companion

she never tried for freedom

for there was no door to the cage

and her dreams were not hindered

she had her hands

and she had her voice

with which she could pass the time

merrily away

with the warrior