Tuesday, February 26, 2013

On Bedtime Stories and Fairy Tales - A Poem

Another copy change, based on On Turning Ten by Billy Collins.

Written nearly four months ago.  I don't have much else to say about this.

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On Bedtime Stories and Fairy Tales

The whole idea of it makes me feel
Like maybe nothing I know is real.
All of it is void, useless dust
And I’m a flicker-flame, and I must, I must
I must...
Must what?

You tell me these stories, then say they aren’t true
But do I really believe in you?
The dragons burned up the knights; they are long gone -
Just like my ocean and my ancient, dead gods.
If you’d sing me lies to sleep, then how can I trust
That everything else isn’t corrupted by pride, envy, and lust?
Once upon a time, I’d gladly give over power
And wait for Happily Ever After, locked up in my tower.

But now I am wiser; I’ve seen through owl’s eyes,
And I’ve seen past the magic and castle disguise.
Another prince.
Another knight.
Another evil.
Another fight.
More towers, more monsters.
More love at first sight.

This is the beginning of an uproarious cheer.
Give me your hands, this is something they have to hear!
There is no time to wait for some kid on a stallion -
He won’t be joining in on this rebellion.
You say it’s the witches who deserve to be burned,
But I swear to you, this isn’t what I’ve learned.

It seems like only yesterday I thought it was all true.
But I see now, all that I thought I knew...
It’s all been washed clean, painted fresh with rain.
The storybook of roses, someday I’ll set it aflame.

9 comments:

  1. Nice...

    "If you’d sing me lies to sleep, then how can I trust
    That everything else isn’t corrupted by pride, envy, and lust?"

    I love those lines! They're like... ~blink blink~ Actually, yeah...

    It's awesome

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  2. I really hope this comment posts, the number of times I've tried this week. So sorry that I haven't managed sooner but I've had no internet at home for two weeks and the school computers are somewhat unreliable.

    I love this poem so much. I just love your style of poetry in general. You have such exquisite thoughts and express them in finely crafted words. It is such a sincere experience, you put so much of yourself into them, so much pathos and emotion and I'm always left in awe, and with questions and ideas that stay with me for days afterwards.

    And I get this with every poem you write. I am always left glad to have been enriched by your work and this is another fine example of it.

    *hugs tight*

    You are a really wonderful poet and a wonderful person and yeah :)

    Another magical poem.

    Thank you so much for them.

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  3. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Oh my gosh Octa

    You have no idea how much that means to me

    You're one of my favorite poets, and such an inspiration to me, and just!!!!!!!!!

    Golly gee sir

    Thank you so so so much for your kind words. I hope you see this comment so you can know how much yours meant to me.

    And I feel the same way about your poems. They're so lovely and thoughtful and brilliant always. Never stop writing them, okay? Your ideas are so unique and so completely magnificent, it thrills me each time I read them.

    Rock on, Octa

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    Replies
    1. :D:D:D:D:D I realise my comment was somewhat overwhelming.

      I just felt that it was something I needed to say. I could really have said it any time you posted. Over time you have become my favourite poet in blogland. And I wanted you to know that and just to know that whenever you feel bad about your work that I honestly do love them. I'm not just saying nice things to be nice but because I genuinely admire your work.

      I am so happy that you feel the same way about mine.

      Rock on Thalia,

      Delete
    2. Ahhh I'm really honored Octa ;w; Again, thank you times a million

      And your work is completely awesome

      Delete
  4. I really love your poems, Thalia! This is really great :)

    ReplyDelete