Rumpelstiltskin

I really enjoyed using Rumpelstiltskin for some reason. I don't know why but he just seems to fit so well with the mood of the story.

Four days and four lonely nights did pass

With Alice in the witch's keep

Her hope lost at this impasse

She could do naught but sleep.

 

She refused to eat the feast

She had made with her own two hands

She commanded to be released.

But the witch ignored her demands.

 

Never before had she suffered alone

Without the comfort of another's touch.

Her back hurt from the cold stone.

She'd never ached so much.

 

Two more days of agony and pain

When by surprise she was suddenly caught.

By the sound of misery feigned,

Mocking the freedom she sought

 

Out of the darkness and into the light

A small man made himself known

An insult to her limited sight

Horrid skin and crooked bones.

 

"Poor little Alice." he mocked with a grin.

"Can neither hope nor love.

She must atone for all her sin.

And gain forgiveness from above."

 

Too tired to fight back she could but groan,

Moving slightly in the cramped space,

Unwilling to touch flesh of origins unknown,

Revolted by such a horrible face.

 

The man promised he would not cause her harm.

It was help he peddled to those in need.

Yet still she withdrew when he reached for her arm

In his eyes shone hatred and greed.

 

What did he want in exchange for his aid?

"Oh, very little." he promised with glee.

"A simple barter, a simple trade.

Something of little use will set you free."

 

"You haven't it yet." he added without pause.

"You'll obtain it in time.

Something of burden, something of flaws.

Something of little reason or rhyme."

 

Alice felt shame at the nodding of her head,

She knew it was something important she gave away.

She sensed the danger that lay ahead

But freedom won out over her dismay.

 

Seeing the regret, with her a deal the man made.

If she could simply guess his name,

No payment would be needed for his aid,

But could she not her first born he would claim.

 

Three days did pass without success

The witch growing more impatient by the day

But she'd run out of names to guess

So in her prison she did stay.

 

Just when she was ready to submit

There came a weight upon her back.

"Rumpelstiltskin." a voice did emit.

Though a voice it seemed to lack.

 

Yet true it had been to her surprise.

Her freedom she did gain.

She disappeared before the witch's eyes.

Returning to the Queen's domain.

Reviews

[Snow White Queen]

'"Poor little Alice." he mocked with a grin.
"Can neither hope nor love.
She must atone for all her sin.
And gain forgiveness from above."'

Loved that stanza. ♥