After the Prom

Like magic she appears,
Illuminated by the carport light:
Her lips blood red,
Her skin snow white.

She floats across the driveway,
A dream draped in blue gossamer,
Gilded with gold and silver, and lace
Blessed by birds, and mice, and godmothers.

She minces along the path,
Holding her heels in hand,
Humming softly, her head still spinning
From a night spent in Wonderland.

Take a bell jar and capture her
Fully formed and sparkling,
Perserve her whole and unbroken
Until she meets Prince Charming.

Lay her down on a bed without peas,
Hide the poison apples and spinning wheels,
Kill the dragons and run off the wolves,
Banish the stepmothers and call off the deals.

But she will dance in red shoes,
She will let down her hair,
She will climb the beanpole,
And at twelve run down the stair.

She will eat porridge and gingerbread men,
She will kiss frogs and find golden riches,
She will befriend beasts and trick trolls,
She will fight with giants and witches.

She won't find her happy ending
Until her feet have bled,
Her voice is gone, her hair is cut,
She's emerged from wolves killed dead.

She will be wearied and numb,
Her dress tattered and covered with gore,
But she will be triumphant,
And happier than before.