By Neva V. Hacker
Date: 10 February 2000

My Story

After the shoe is found to be a fit
   and Cinderella dons its perfect
   mate, the story only has them
   riding off; it doesn't give
   details of life in the castle.

Having been taught by hard experience,
   I distrust hasty marriage. It was
   like that for me: trapped in a
   chimney corner and abused, any
   would-be prince looked charming.

After the ink-line drawing where she hangs
   precariously across his velvet cuff
   like fresh-killed game or a just-won
   hunting trophy, I'd like to see
   a further illustration:

The cinder lady in a royal hall, wearing
   corsets and brocade and, of course, those
   delicate, breakable slippers; forever
   on display, she would have to walk
   very, very carefully.

Having been hurt, I know how hard those
   polished marble floors can be. My story
   isn't really a fairy tale. It does
   have an obvious moral and a happy
   ending: I buy my own shoes.