On The Shelf

the doll sits on her horse
knees bent reins fixed

everything arranged
everything held

a number that says
this is what play
costs today

the side panel
repeats her gestures

hand raised
smile printed
horse still

the repetition
is not play
it is process

the kind
that fills shelves
and stacks pallets

the kind
that waits for
clearance bins

loading bay
the horse’s shadow
painted flat

age three plus
permission stamped
not spoken

it doesn’t matter
if the child
likes horses

it doesn’t matter
if the doll
ever wanted trousers

it’s boxed
it’s priced
it’s here

Paul Conneally
25th November 2025
Loughborough