A Happy Story, Not An Ending

They want a happy ending

As if endings could ever be so

A sparkly wedding

And a “Happily ever after”

Do not a happy ending grow.

A piano cannot be without black keys

A painting must have its shadow

Else they are flat as the princess’s pea

But the waiting, the waiting

Alone in a kitchen or tower

Miserable until the ending

Is it worth the empty prize

Or never wilting flower?

No, give me stepsisters that talk at night

Sneak snacks and chores and little side glances

Because there are three girls, together, in this plight

Give me a mermaid who takes up sign language

A princess who banters with her prince

Give me awkward first kisses and confusing feelings

Give me people learning and living and loving

Then I’ll be content with their ever after.