our prologue

long have I known fairy tales rely on
witches
ogres
thorns

refused to ever open the book
the words upon my heart never to be
written by another

fallacious princes clamored sonnets
promised wings to fly
to the sun

sealed still
the pages
secure between solid bindings

enter the man
claiming no royalty
vowed no magic

dismissed upon first glance
then cover wrenched wide
leaves laid bare

the man lavished red upon each sheet through
actions
words
touch

ramparts crumbled
moats traversed
dragons slain

fantasy proven dull and flat
beside
reality with the man

eternity
both in hope and
authenticity

plot of witch
bellow of ogre
pierce of thorn

no shining armor
lacking white steed
and yet a fall

try as they may the covers shall not
close
bind
slam

lowly dirt embraces the tumble
cover and coat
humble and choke

through trepidation
pain and gash
hands extended and grasped

heroes of a quest
unrequested
stand on trembling limbs

villains encircle
waiting to seize
devour

magic not from fairy or wand
emanating from hearts and hands
our epic has begun

filled by destiny’s scarlet scrawl
strength
wings
love