Child's Play
Natalie Kulick

John Singer Sargent, Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose, 1885

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Fairy lanterns held up by tiny fingers.
Soft light sculpting softer features.

Gentle dusk. No rush for
tuckings-in when there are flowers
in the garden, a miniature teapot on the stove,
and party preparations to make
for cotton guests: tea will be served at seven.

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Do you think mother will mind
if we clip some flowers for the table?
Adorn the placemats for each seat:
carnation, lily, lily, rose.