Cinderella

Cinderella in the

flesh emporium

stands by the bar

in the red light

 

an enamored throng

of paltry men

survey her lissome frame

her hypnotic essence prevails

 

she does however

leave at the clang of midnight

nobody notices the shoe she leaves behind.

 

draping herself in her flowing white robe

she steps out of the steam shower

pallid look naturally administered

 

she glides into their chamber

sips her herbal tea (ginseng)

and fingers the sitar languidly

a faint tune hums in her head.

 

from the smoky living room

arrives the relentless wheelchair

bearing the weight

of her husband.