machine ballerina

am i an afternoon's pastime?

a thing on a string

to be thrown and retrieved

like a phone call received

on somebody's birthday

to tease and delight

and then say goodnight

and then just say goodbye?

am i a toy on a tray?

a soft piece of clay

queen or clown for the day

machine ballerina

soldier of tin

standing so loyal

while you sit so royal

then i'm put away?

for your approval

perusal

and your possible

refusal

i'm amusing

i'm a puppet for your play. am i your mad magazine?

skin trampoline

pin-up pinball machine

your fantasy girl

of puzzling parts

but none fits or starts

we match wits but not hearts

i'm heard but never seen?

for your approval

perusal

and your possible

refusal

i'm amusing

i'm a puppet for your play.