'The Sickly Smile from the Witch of Unpleasant Surprise.'

 

Thus ends the age of innocence.

The bough breaks – the crack of splintering wood

shudders through the stillness of the forest.

 

Birds fly up with a start.

The silverfish in the cottage bath tub

wanders blindfolded on the enamel.

With the drip from the tap,

We turn the page only to find

Hansel & Gretel already baked to a crisp,

And thus another new chapter begins.