Rewind

Once upon a time… No. Forget that. Never mind. Instead let’s stop. Rewind. This isn’t that kind of story. There’s no Prince Charming on a steed. It starts still with a young girl- that’s you- And your father’s all you need. He teaches you “always be kind, And to yourself be true.” You know you can take on the world. You know that he loves you. Suppose your father meets a woman. And soon (too soon), he’s bought a ring. So happy now he’s found her, His heart begins to sing. She looks at you with some disdain; Her eyes tighten when she sees you. But he tells you that he loves her, So you try to love her too. You’re “one big happy family”; No longer two, but five. And though your ‘mother’ is severe… Your father’s here, alive. Suppose your father goes away. You only ever needed him… But now he’s never to return. Now you’ve just got Them. Your ‘mother’ moves you to the attic. She treats you like a maid. You’re brave, and strong, and full of love… But your smile starts to fade. The years begin to pass. Some days you wonder why you stay. You count the days ‘til you are grown. Until you can safely get away. You’re older now, and tired. You’re treated like a slave. Each morning, as you face the day, You try to remain brave. You’re still so young (too young) When you can no longer wait. You need to leave, to save your heart Before it is too late. You summon all your courage, Slay the dragon of your doubt. You don’t know where you’re going, But know you must get out. You fear the monsters in the night Yet still, you must take flight. You travel then you settle down. You work now as a maid. The days are long, but you are strong. At least now, you’re paid. You save up all your money, Not quite sure what you’ll do. But then one day, you find the sea. You know it’s meant for you. You learn to sail; you board a ship. Forget about your past. You must move on. You’ll find true happiness at last. You spend a year. Then two, then three. A woman, beautiful and strong. A whole world still to see. You’ve found your Great Adventure. You must be happy, right? With all you need, with you so free... What keeps you up at night? The feelings grow, before you know, Your heart has brought you back To your father’s house, your mother’s blouse… You’ll find that thing you lack. An empty grave beside your father. Not surprised a whit. You know, of course, you’re still alive. But how are you to prove it? You know you’ll only have one chance To take your ‘mother’ by surprise. You know that if she is prepared, They won’t see through her lies. Then that Fall there is a ball. A crown, a Prince, and more. You know that she will be there. She knows not what’s in store. You sew a dress. You buy a mask. Prepare your strength. Complete this task. The evening will pass like a dream. For a moment you’ll forget. But soon you’ll see her scowling. You know you’re not done yet.