Glass Slipper

There was a time where I didn't know
and my ignorance was a cozy cocoon
a soft,bright feather bed of contentment,

so anxious was I to break through those
walls, foolishly believing there was
something astounding...something magical

about being my own mistress,
and for a time I was, and lived
a sleek and silken life until

the constant of change blew in
on the cold breath of reality
and crept up my spine and I knew

that the warmth of youth
had made me cocksure,
an omnipotent lass of promise

blessed with a future filled
with peacock feathered hues
until the plumage was plucked

and fate kissed me long and hard
leaving my parted lips blue
and my lashes laced in frost.

Life had finally unmasked herself
at the ball and my glass slipper
suddenly pinched my toes blistering my innocence.

Reviews

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Ouch! This is so damned good!

First, I love the lack of punctuation that lent an air of one long stream of consciousness about the surety of youth throughout that finally leads to the frost on your lashes. The last stanza being a final thought of its own ... life has left you all alone.

I can relate to this poem. I have chosen to be alone. The opportunites have been there - three engagements, which I've broken, men who have loved me to pieces. Sadly, as my heart belonged to another; and I was unable to settle for anything less, I denied myself anything more. I know full well - now at 44 - that chances are I will remain alone. It never bothered me earlier. Now that I'm on the cusp of middle age; and I can look in the mirror and see myself getting older, I know that the chances for love are fading by the day.

All that love has brought me is a single reflection in the mirror.

Your words sting with truth.

[icelandicblue]

Ah the choices we make...we don't even realize the final effects until much later. I am touched by what you have shared in your review, thank you for that. Life, I have learned, does not turn out the way we planned- we have no choice but to make the best of it but it does not lessen the sting. Thank you too for commenting on the lack of punctuation which is usually not my style and I am pleased that you thought it worked. As always, I look forward to your poetry and to your thoughts.

[s y e]

Oh Anne - this is fantastic. You have left me speechless!

"and fate kissed me long and hard
leaving my parted lips blue
and my lashes laced in frost."

-- Wow, wow, wow! Those lines are amazing Anne - you have something special here.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks so much Sye I appreciate that you liked that stanza. You're one of my most enthusiastic readers and I thank you for that.

[s y e]

I love your writing Anne - it's perfect in every way. :-)

[Angel]

Life had finally unmasked herself
at the ball and my glass slipper
suddenly pinched my toes blistering my innocence.

Wow. This is brilliant, Anne. Once you've seen behind that mask...everything changes. The innocence of childhood is gone, and cannot be retrieved.
Peter Pan's little Tinkerbelle....dies.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks Angel...one simple peek and innocence disappears. I appreciate your review.

[Miranda Richard]

Beautifully written, it has no rhyme but has a rhythm. Stunning! Especially the last stanza :)

[icelandicblue]

Thanks for reading Rayne and for your comment.

[ASPAR (A Sol Poet Arnay..]

Very nice...and fate kissed me long and hard
leaving my parted lips blue
and my lashes laced in frost.... lovely expression good use of words thanks for sharing :)

[icelandicblue]

Thanks for reading and for commenting.

[ASPAR (A Sol Poet Arnay Rumens)]

You have got what it takes, great work...stay with it (hugs)

[Justine]

I loved it when "ignorance was a cozy cocoon" and agree that we are eager to break out but when we do, it's a real shock. You have written this beautifully, describing the mood and effect in perfect metaphor. The penultimate stanza is brilliant. Once kicked out of the Garden of Eden, there's no going back unfortunately. I'm new to writers cafe, but I hope to read your writing again. Jussy

[icelandicblue]

What nice things you have said. I think that that shock never quite leaves us. Thank you for commenting I look forward to reading your work.

[Mark]

'and fate kissed me long and hard, leaving my parted lips blue'. wonderful imagery. I like angst, and this is done well.

[icelandicblue]

I've got angst and I appreciate it that you appreciate it! Thanks a lot Mark, good to see you.

[Norma M Sutton]

I like this :) I too was once blissfully innocent

[icelandicblue]

It is part of the journey I think. I miss it. Thanks for commenting.

[Joiedevivre]

wow i looove this poem! it speaks volumes to me in so many ways, i do not know quite how to put it! Meaningful poem, written skilfully and beautifully, but definitely packs a punch, just like this saccharine,masquerading life you speak of!

[icelandicblue]

Thank you so much for your comments. Life can be deceptively sweet- like your poem Polarity- only to leave a bitter aftertaste that won't go away.

[Joiedevivre]

ach, wish i could say i didn't believe you my friend!

[Rita L. Sev]

the constant of change blew in
on the cold breath of reality
and crept up my spine...

We are so eager to believe the fairy tales, even when we see the contrary... And even if it is not terrible, "Ever after" is just Life - yet it always seems such a rude awakening... This is a wonderfully crafted poem, Blue.

[icelandicblue]

That is so true, it is just a rude awakening. Thanks so much Rita.