love/time²
or the metamorphosis of marriage.
One day Cinderella traded her glass slippers for sensible sneakers,
Swapped beauty and blisters for cushiony comfort.
Prince Charming pretended not to notice,
His hairline receded, his waistline expanding.
Time takes its toll.
No need for crystal coaches now their dancing days were done –
Instead, they ate pumpkin pie in the palace,
While he read the papers, she watched her serial killer shows.
The metamorphosis of their marriage,
From magic to mundanity.
Her long, luxurious locks shorn short when they clogged the shower,
No longer spread seductively over satin sheets.
Cotton quilts were comfier.
Sex became simplified,
No naughty negligees and lacy lingerie,
His borrowed boxers breathed better, with a baggy tee.
Stretch marks on her sagging stomach,
He called them sacrificial scars,
And loved her all the more.
Fantasies faded as friendship flourished,
Serenaded to sleep by the C-Pap machine.
He was still the big spoon.
Saturday morning snuggles more satisfying
Now the kids came in for cuddles.
They grew old together,
And the paparazzi found new people to pester.
The glass slipper gathered dust.
How fleeting the fairytale, that whirlwind romance,
Became barely a chapter, the beginning of their book.
Their story so much more than happily ever after.
About the Creator
Angel Whelan
Angel Whelan writes the kind of stories that once had her checking her closet each night, afraid to switch off the light.
Finalist in the Vocal Plus and Return of The Night Owl challenges.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
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Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
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Comments (8)
Brilliant and surprisingly moving.
Fairytales often set high standards for love and marriage. I loved how you portrayed the comfort of them living a simple normal life. Beautiful message in a beautiful poem! I loved it! Plus, I'm a huge fan of true crime and serial killers so it made me smile to know Cinderella liked them too!
Oh that was amazing! Love the message behind it.
This is incredibly beautiful. The real happily ever after. Love this.
"How fleeting the fairytale, that whirlwind romance, Became barely a chapter" This is such a beautiful poem about enduring love, something I'm just starting to understand in my seven-year partnership. Reading this makes my heart happy-sigh. :)
this made me smile at the end. it warmed my heart . Became barely a chapter- lovely.
Loved this. It really captures the truth of happily ever after. Well done!
Beautiful x3!!! 👏💖😊😄💕