Thumbelina

The story of a young girl

looking for a place to fit,

finding solace in stories

especially that one bit

where the handsome prince finds her

and they fall deeply in love.

He vows to take her away

somewhere she’s only dreamed of.

But life has different plans,

and in hops the first big glitch:

promises of fame, fortune,

should she sacrifice her prince.

Someone else would take his place,

a variant of her dream

where she was loved by many,

but she would not concede.

Then came the tall dark stranger

with great mystery and charm.

Admiring her rare beauty,

he cunningly took her arm.

Promising a different life,

he led deep into the world

of great judgement, standards, shame

which quickly shunned the poor girl.

But one kind soul showed mercy,

offered her a place to go,

and welcomed her in warmly

out of the cold winter snow.

Then introduced her to a man

who’d provide security,

comfort, leisure, lavish life,

should she have him to marry.

But the girl she ran away,

being guided by a swallow

she had saved while underground

and beckoned her to follow.

The swallow led her to a glen

wherein the fairies’ bells ring.

Reunited with her prince

and was gifted her own wings.

Back then, I didn’t quite see why

I loved the fairy tale so.

Now it could not be clearer:

look closely and life soon shows.

There was never a true villain,

just those offering her new starts.

She had chances and choices,

and she listened to her heart.