The Belle of the Ball

Warning: A long one

The Belle of the Ball

 

 

Outside the walls stood a handmaiden gazing,

twisting her skirt between fingers so frail

Patches of burlap were sewn on the garment,

cut from a sack of a barley oat bale

 

Oh how she dreamed of the opulent palace,

silver and gold and the finest of lace

Gowns made of velvet with ribbons of satin,

she spun around with a smile on her face

 

As if a princess, her blonde hair a flowing,

blue skies above now the tint of her eyes

Hearing a song on the early spring breezes,

never once noticed the coming surprise

 

Then as she saw him she blushed like a petal,

found on the reddest of roses that grew

Knee bent to curtsey, feeling embarrassed,

knowing this gesture is what she should do

 

“Good day fair maiden, your dance was enchanting”

He said as he smiled, his kindness was felt

“So sorry my prince, I did not see you coming”

Again on the soil before him she knelt

 

“Rise up,” he said as he slid from the saddle

“There is no need for such formality

For one of such beauty tis I who should bow,”

Saying this he touched the earth with one knee

 

Once more she blushed like an apricot sunrise,

standing he reached out and taking her hand

Wondered, “What brings you by here on this morning,

adding such loveliness to our fine land?”

 

“Your majesty, I’m but a servant daydreaming,

seeing myself quite the belle of the ball

Very much childish I know you are thinking,

for I belong far outside this great wall”

 

He pondered a moment, his chin now he fondled,

suddenly grinned with the happiest glance

“Well now fair maiden, if thou would permit me,

please be my guest at this evening’s spring dance?”

 

“Oh handsome prince I could not even think it,

look at my dress, I have nothing to wear

Merely these rags and an old pair of high tops,

never to mention the state of my hair”

 

“Never you mind and I kind of like high tops,

maybe some jeans and a tank top in red

Pull your hair back and it will look quite perfect,

nothing you’ll need when we climb into bed”

 

“What’s that you say, you want sex after dancing?

Beat it you creep, I’m abreast of your game

I’ll spread these legs not for anyone fancy,

damn it, you men, every one is the same”

 

As he departed, rejected and sneering,

she stomped away feeling angry and mean

So here you find such an unhappy ending,

the truth is she only had eyes for the queen

Reviews

[James Mckay]

Thou fairest Will
You never cease to amaze me
Your words touch us still
It was like they just fazed thee

A lovely piece of literature
It was written fantastically good
A fair lady beautiful yet tethered
And a prince only thinking with his wood!

Great job Will

[willweb]

That was funny. Thanks so much James

[Pete]

queen indeed. some bells have cracks in them. this took quite an unexpected turn after starting out like a fairy tale. rhyme, flow, wording all very enjoyable. you do know how to set a stage - i'll give you that ... :)

[willweb]

Thanks so much Pete

[Throwing Romeo]

I like the format and the
natural feel of rhymes
keeping the flow.

Lulled into a charming
antque story line before
dropping the bomb...

Brilliant.

R.

[willweb]

Thanks so much. I am glad you liked it.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I like the surprise ending...not that he was a cad...but the alternative ending.
And I am glad she was able to dance when she was alone...comfortable with her own steps.
j.

[willweb]

Thanks Jacob, just trying to promote a few smiles around.

[Ann Outlaw]

The modern day Prince Charming, I see. haha! I absolutely loved reading this, the twist put a big smile across my face and I'm so glad I came across your poem this morning. Thanks for sharing this.

[willweb]

Happy this one made you smile Ann. Yep, he had no idea who he was up against. : )

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Quite the unexpected ending, but enchanting nonetheless.

[willweb]

Thanks so very much Linda.

[Susan 🦋]

There are no Prince Charming’s left in the world! Lol things were looking so good… and then, the twist! How quickly things escalated! What a fun read this morning. Well done!💐

[willweb]

Funny how those things happen so quickly out of nowhere. : ) Thank you so much Susan.

[DIVYA]

The poem didn't feel long with its very lively, entertaining narration. The twists at the conclusions were amazing just when I was expecting him to offer her a ballgown, he mentions jeans and a tank top red. Perhaps, she'd have taken up the offer but for the queen!
I enjoyed this tale with a difference, thoroughly willweb!

[willweb]

Thanks so very much my friend. I am happy you enjoyed this. I guess you never know what you will find. : )

[DIVYA]

That's the beauty of fine story telling. Keep sharing, my friend :)

[Betty Hermelee]

A lovely tale that turns sour at the end....we think that this may be a Cinderella story but wow, we're amazed to find that the fair maiden only had eyes for the queen....a great twist... excellent choice of word and rhyme.
Best, B

[willweb]

Thanks Betty for your kind comments. I am happy you found something to like about this twisted poem.

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Will.
Best, B

[Marlon Ferguson]

Great surprise here. Never would have expected it. The piece begins like an ancient appalachian ballad and ends with a modern twist. Really enjoyed this one.

[willweb]

Thank you so very much Marlon. I am happy you enjoyed this