Poetry

One finger goes to her lips and her eyes close — the signal is meant for two white birds perched on the bare branch at her shoulder. A woven basket rides on her back, packed with modelled roses, carnations and blue blossom. Her yellow dress, printed with small flowers, is caught by a red sash, and a red-bound book stays in her lowered hand. A cartwheel and a folded umbrella lie against the grassy base, which is strewn with more flowers.