10011. A Sonnet for Red Riding Hood

A narrative poem based on the fairy tale of Red Riding Hood.

In woods where sunlight dances through the leaves,  

A girl in crimson cloak takes her sweet path,  

To visit Grandma, who in illness grieves,  

Unknowing of the wolf’s impending wrath.  

Her basket full of treats, a gift of cheer,  

She hums a tune, her laughter light as air,  

Yet shadows stretch, and whispers draw so near,  

The forest hides a beast with cunning stare.  

The wolf, with guile, deceives her gentle heart,  

“Why not take the shorter road, my dear?”  

He points the way, a master of his art,  

While plotting how to turn her joy to fear.  

But fate, it seems, has plans beyond his scheme,  

For courage swells where innocence might dream.