Yellow Brick Roads

rebirth , a story of

you know how it starts
once upon ...
a girl
where she felt alone
dreams fading in a black and white room - 

 

her home
 
so she gathered her love
and left down the road

dustbowl footprints leading
to somewhere else

 

storms came
sooner than she needed,
the midwest does that
sucked up in dreams
of a bejeweled city,
nestled between dreamland and hell

 

stranger became hero
rising above the little people

her allegiance to

thoughtless, heartless cowards

squeaking false bravado

through that shifty forest

nightmares throwing fireballs -

 

girl standing strong

 

jewel on the horizon
caught in opiate slumber 
spoke before a God who wanted a favor

"kill the b***h and I will save you"

 

the b***h had other plans
sent an army on wings of fear
to snatch that sweetie
and her little dog too

rattlehead and strawboy
dragging that run tail lion 
busting heads for honor
to save that poor girl 

 

hooked nose hag
her eyes wide, reaching
greed was her fire
doused by an innocent act

 

the b***h just wanted to walk in her shoes

 

no parade back at the ranch 
woke to faces she neglected
bad dream erased by smiles
remembering with a click  ...

 

there's no place like home

 

 

Author's Note

It is the anniversary of this classic tale I hope Mr. Baum isn't rolling in his grave and if so with a smile ...

Reviews

[V.B.]

It's always a pleasure to read you, Robin, and this was no exception. I love the candid takes on all the characters, and how you managed to flip the whole Oz story on its head.

I am reminded of one of my favorite internet memes for some reason: If you watch Jaws backwards, it's about a shark who throws up people until eventually they have to open a beach.

[Siddhartha]

Oh, you made me revisit my childhood Robin. This is a great and fitting tribute, refreshingly adult and dark. Mr. Baum would sure be happy.

[arbitrary jane]

big dorky grin. :)
so many great lines.
.. the b***h just wanted to walk in her shoes...
i wrote a dorothy poem once a million years ago... which wasn't even a close ... 94th to this.
and those dead guys need a little exercise from time to time.

[John Jackson (El Juero)]

If I only had a brain...
Love the 'dreamland and hell'.
No one is rolling in the grave.
Fantastic writing.
Thank You.

[Lilly Negoi]

"jewel on the horizon
caught in opiate slumber
spoke before a God who wanted a favor
"kill the b***h and I will save you"" - wow!!

i don't think Mr. Baum rolled in his grave - honestly :)

[Hayley]

Incredible portrayal of Wizard of Oz. It really tells just the right story :)

[ju]

"the b***h just wanted to walk in her shoes" that i love.
and that final "click" too. very good. to get something original from a story so often re-told takes skill. a great read, i enjoyed. thank you.

[Tommy]

*smiles* Were those ruby high heels (or silver) was it? I love the play on words you use to portray this story...It seems a struggle of life, and for some reason other's shoes look more comfortable at times. I don't know, I wouldn't wish the stink of my smelly shoes on the worst b*****s out there, maybe Dorothy was just trying to save that witche's feet....

Great Write Robin!
RLG,
Tommy

[shelbylugal]

Haha! I loved it! This is a classic twist on a classic tale. I love how you summed up the entire movie into a beautiful and hilarious poem. A Pg went Pg-13 with the witch now being told as the b***h. Nice way of keeping your audience entertained and wanting more... and more... and more...

[Kerry O'Connor]

This is an extra special take on Dorothy's journey to OZ.. all the drama but told with the lightest touch and modern twist.

I'm known as Dorothy in certain circles, and have a faithful scarecrow, brave lion and loving tinman who keep pace with me just the other side of the rainbow.