Cinderella--Then and Now

 

(see related post  And They Lived Happily Ever)

by Robin Holland

 Then my father was alive

     rich and and powerful in my eyes

     loving  

     protective.

Now he is gone--leaving behind

    the family that he couldn't see

    didn't want me.

 Then I was the fire burning in his eyes

    the light of his life.

Now I am covered in ashes

    of a dying fire.

Then I was dressed in rich fabrics

    elegant styles

    spoiled in reasonable luxury.

Now I wear the cast off rags,

    hand-me-down

    robes of hate and disdain.

Then I was loved and I loved.

Now I am used and abused.

Then I was... Now I am not

...until...

Somebody

redressed me

refined me

redefined me

and sent me to the ball.

Somebody

danced with me

saw me

heard me.

Now I am rich and powerful in his eyes

in my eyes.

I am alive still

alive anew.