10001. A Hansel and Gretel Sonnet

A narrative poem based on the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel

In woods so deep where shadows twist and play,  

Two children wandered, lost beyond the light,  

With hunger gnawing, hope began to sway,  

Their hearts as heavy as the coming night.  

Hansel, brave, with crumbs to mark their trail,  

Led forth his sister, Gretel, small and sweet,  

But birds, with hunger of their own, would pale  

Their path, devoured by the forest's greed.  

A cottage stood, sweet scent upon the air,  

Of candy walls and windows made of glass,  

They dared to dream, forgetting all their care,  

Yet in the sweetness, danger lurked en masse.  

A witch with eyes like embers, fierce and cold,  

Did plot to trap their souls, her heart so bold.