Kristin Garth is a poet from Pensacola. Her sonnets and other poetry have been featured in Anti-Heroin Chic, Murmur Journal, Occulum, Faded Out, Moonchild Magazine, Quail Bell Magazine, Fourth & Sycamore, Varnish Journal and many other publications. She’s currently constructing a poetry dollhouse chapbook entitled Pink Plastic House: Three Stories of Sonnets.
Babydoll
I’m baptized with my babydoll. I grow
but change not much at all. A ribbon in
synthetic hair, two blinky eyes follow
me everywhere — a mother pretend.
Barbie-brainwashed by picture tube. I feel
them up before I blossom boobs. Their thighs
so slick, I memorize. Sapphic, surreal,
vinyl eyes, adolescent alibis.
A dorm delivered living doll, my first
attempt, no alcohol. Long curly hair
and thigh high socks. Concerns of college/church
cast out, when our door locks, with underwear.
The shame, with age, a thing I just recall.
It is no phase, this love of babydolls.
Visitant 
“I’m baptized with my babydoll/I grow but change not much at all” I don’t know much about the mechanics of poetry, but in general terms, these two lines, to me, share a pattern of 8 syllables per line. What do love about this work, particularly the first two, Is the luscious, strong, rounded sound of the alliteration when you u say the ‘B’ words. This, as well as the actual words themselves, help to make such a pleasing rhythm to speak aloud. The metaphor, if I’m right, is clear to see. Is she struggling to live up to the perfect image of the doll she loved as a young girl, but as she grows older, she comes to despise it? You can see how that may happen with many girls, but there is a terrible dad note about that too, I think so, anyhow. Thank you, all the same. Emm.
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Love this 🙂
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