Grim Ever After

Cinderella works for tips,
While Sleeping Beauty shakes her hips,
And Snow White works the pole.

The Magic Castle’s been foreclosed,
Charming stuffed all the money up his nose,
Now he’s serving 8 to 10.

Peter Pan’s got a warrant,
Since the Lost Boys told their parents,
Something’s rotten in Neverland.

The Little Mermaid’s in an aquarium.
The Prince put her there just for fun,
In his bedroom, since he likes to make her watch.

Beauty found she missed the Beast,
His massive paws and pointed teeth,
So she asked the witch for another curse.

Hansel and Gretel made it past the Gingerbread,
And celebrated in their bed,
Like no brother and sister should.

Past the magic and the laughter,
There’s something grim in Ever After,
When fairytales unravel.

Kelly Marie McDonough is a two-time cancer survivor, avid reader, and makeup enthusiast. She is working on building her poetry portfolio and is influenced by Poe and Anne Sexton. Murder, madness, and literary references are her passion. She is a writer and part-time student at Southern New Hampshire University and works customer service for a call center. She lives in Illinois with her supportive husband and their four mischievous cats. Her poetry will be published in the upcoming winter issues of The Bitchin' Kitsch and Poetically Mag.