Once Upon a Tortured Trope
 
Don’t ever judge crooks by their lovers, they say   
On book covers nailed to the wall.
The frog sends his kiss at the bend of the day
To Belle who is beast of the ball. 
 
As tough as a cucumber, cool as old boots, 
An untroubled damsel of flair
Is shooting for stars. When the pussy-owl hoots
She snares a short prince with blonde hair. 
  
They sail inky skies on a silver-lined dream
To greener scenes up in the hills.
But honey and moons aren’t as sweet as they seem    
When cats and dogs reign and milk spills.
 
His rose bears a thorn and his shoulder, a chip. 
Hyenas have stolen his laughter.
All charm hits the skids as she grapples to slip 
The grip of his gripe ever after.


Susan Jarvis Bryant

If you have any thoughts about this poem, Susan Jarvis Bryant would be pleased to hear them