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.

[Lydia Shutter]

The exuberance for life and all it has to offer is on overdrive when we are young. We wish to be one year older and then we wish for the school year to be over. Of course, the biggest wish is to be a grown up. Oh, if only life had a rewind button! Your introspective write is filled with wise words and incredibly vivid phrases. This was my favorite...."the constant of change blew in". Blue, one thing besides death and taxes is inevitable and that is change. The Cinderella metaphor is splendid...and the entire poem is one I want to read again...going into my library. Lydi**

[icelandicblue]

Aw Lydi* thanks so much. I love your review and I am happy you enjoyed the poem. When we are young we are in such a rush to the finish line. Thanks again.

[Jack...]

When I was a kid, all I wanted to do was grow up, boy was I stupid. But there are some who will tell you I have never grown up, so maybe I got smart along the way. Anne, this was wonderful, why does it never turn out like we dreamed?

[icelandicblue]

I think because you can't really plan your life, you never really know the effects of your choices until long after they've been made and so much of it is really not under our control. Thanks so much for your thoughts. ; )

[Dr. Wood ?]

LIFE is what happens to us all and this is tremendous ICE

Oh if only we could just NOT open that door

The problem NOW of course is that children remain so for such a short time.....Regrets are futile, and not one of us fails to make mistakes as we (sometimes blindly) climb the ladder of life

[icelandicblue]

Yes, that door that beckons us makes no promises does it? I love that idea Doc. Thanks so much. : )

[Dr. Wood ?]

cheers ICE

[icelandicblue]

Have a lovely day Doc.

[Dr. Wood ?]

off to the shops.....Mind you, I might sneak in a KFC meal while there.....

[Pryde Foltz]

an omnipotent lass of promise

It's all about expectations, isn't it. I never understand all these depressed vampire movies; anything is possible when you think you have forever. I guess at some point you learn to love the moments and not the expectations. Great write, Icy Blue.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks for your thoughts Pryde. They are always appreciated.

[May Flowers]

I absolutely love this! The imagery is beautiful and the last lines are haunting.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks April for your wonderful review. I do appreciate it.

[Jordan]

Well, great expression of emotions... one can imagine it... a great write...

[icelandicblue]

Thank you Jordan I appreciate you reading and commenting on this poem.

[Diana]

An interesting take. Life is not the great "mistress" (as you say) that she would appear in youth. The glass slipper pinching at the end was a nice added touch.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks Diana- life is quixotic and fickle and we are not always prepared for her moods.