[Issue 2024.69]

‘Guidelines for Living Your Fairy Tale (in no Particular Order)’, Amanda Cook

Art © 2024 Joel Bisaillon

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If you happen to find yourself
Locked in a tower, read away
Those quiet days and enjoy
The gift of alone time

If you happen to lock eyes with a “lone”
Wolf in the woods, take the first
Fork in the path and give him
A wide, wide, W I D E berth

If you happen to find yourself
Asleep in a glass coffin, dream
Of what will be or could be
Once you awaken (if you choose to)

If you happen to be out
And about, feel free to leave
The path whenever the mood strikes
There are meadows and memories

If you happen to find yourself missing
A glass slipper, wrap both feet
In the ripped silk of your gown instead
And dance past midnight’s last strike

If you happen to be out
And about, keep your sharp
Dagger and your sharp wit about you
One’ll slice honey crisps, the other hearts

If you happen to make friends
With anyone, let it be
With the dwarves
With the ravens
With the mice
With the scarecrow

If you happen to be desperate,
Seek guidance from your local coven
Witches will always welcome
One of their own

If you happen to be out
And about, avoid bread crumbs
(Though the birds will thank you)
Tie ribbons to branches and heartstrings, instead

If you happen to make your mind up
About anything, make your mind up
About the fairies and their kinfolk
They have songs and stardust and time

If you happen to remember any of this,
Remember this:
There’s no need for a rescuer
When you don’t need a rescue.

© 2024 Amanda Cook

[Issue 2024.69]

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