Princess

Once upon a time
There lived a young girl.
She was happy
And content with the world.
Young and naïve
She stepped onto the stage.
Eyes implored her,
She felt ready to engage.
The cameras were flashing,
Directing her to smile.
Her groom was waiting
Provoking her to try.
She breathed in the scent
Of flowers in her hand.
Then she felt a sharp pain,
That didn’t go accordingly to plan.
Thorns had pierced
Through her white gloves.
The blood began to spread
Like the gray clouds above.
She had to hide the pain.
Her groom was getting impatient.
She took a deep breath.
Masked it with a smile of content.
She reached the altar.
He seized her wounded hand.
The pain seared through,
More than she could stand.
Her heart was crying,
But the priest rambled on.
Her groom was responding.
But her words were not that strong.
Her world started spinning.
She felt nauseous and weak.
Her groom squeezed her hand,
Willing her to speak.
‘I do,’ escaped like a gasp.
Her groom seemed satisfied.
‘I can’t,’ came out much stronger.
Her groom was of no reprieve.
Suddenly she took her hand away.
And ran without turning back.
Her wedding train felt heavy.
She ripped the skirts slack.
And on the sandy beach,
A white horse was waiting there.
She rode into the sunset,
The wind blowing in her hair.
She rode with song,
That gave her smile a flare.
She was lifted by the wind,
On wings of freedom…ever after.