On the streeets of Birmingham, Alabama.
A glorious, cool morning in May.
The sun’s heat was warm but not brutal as it would be later in the day.
Walking in Birmingham
Mabel’s Mother was at the hospital receiving her daily dose of radiation.
Pushing Miss Mabel in her stroller, I spied this little doll in front of a house.
The expression on its face reminded me of someone waiting and watching.
My imagination was piqued.
Whose little baby doll was this?
How did it come to be here?
Who placed it in this position?
The careful, seated position of the doll told me that it had not been tossed carelessly to the ground by a child called into supper.
The dirt on the doll and its clothing told me also that it had been there awhile.
This little doll placed outside the brick fence surrounding the house.
Southern Gothic novels and short stories flooded my brain.
I thought of Caddy with her “muddy drawers” in Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury.
Just Passing Through
I may never walk down that street in Birmingham again.
Birmingham will remain forever a place in my heart of kindness and sadness.
Like this little baby doll, I am watching and waiting.
Like many things in life, this little doll’s story will forever remain a mystery.
Lori Greer in Portland 
There you have the beginnings of a novel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great idea…I hope you are having a wonderful weekend . Good weather?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tolerable weather and improving daily. Have a good weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think she’s been forgotten – I think she’s well loved and her little mistress will return, with hugs and kisses and a new watchman assignment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That image of the doll has a poignant appearance. It reminds me of a bear story I once wrote about a well-loved teddy that looked and felt abandoned when he was dropped among the rocky garden. These stories I wrote for children have been on the back-burner. Seeing the doll has inspired me to find and revise them.. Thank you and keep looking for inspiration. It is your anchor and impetus. Blessings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you find time to write some more children’s stories. Seeing the world through their precious eyes is a gift. Thank you for your continual support and caring.
LikeLike