They told me
Of my Mother dear,
The brilliant queen she was.
I still felt her soft hands
Stroking my cheeks
As I stood at her casket.
I still smelled her rose perfume
And treacle-tart breath
As they buried the box.
But that all disappeared
When the weight of her crown
Pressed down on my head.
It was Mother's jewels
That circled my neck,
Her old red dress
That smothered me,
But these were all I had of her.
My eyes were Father's,
And I got the rest from Granny.
And everyone loved to tell me that.
I am nothing like her.
Mother was sweet.
She was beautiful.
The kingdom wants a lovely girl,
Smiling and rosy-cheeked.
But sitting in the throne
Is a pale frowning thing,
Her mouth hard and lined.
Be more like Mother everyone says.
I am not.
And the people still praise the dead queen.
Their hatred never leaves me.
I feel it with every breath
And bat of an eye.
My tarts have been poisoned twice.
I am afraid to eat.
To drink.
My advisors says I'm safe,
But then why is there a guard
Everywhere I go?
Now I'm starving,
And I find a different hunger starting to bloom.
I want blood.
Fear eats me alive as I fire all my guards.
The advisors worry,
Calling for a doctor.
"You're going mad," they cry.
"All you do is panic and scream."
I exile them out of Wonderland,
And bring in new guards unafraid to use their blades.
I continue my crusade until
Uncle Diamond visits.
"You have lost your head," he whispers.
His big hand takes mine, and he smiles.
I grin, feeling my blade at my side.
"And so will you," I reply.
I sent Aunt Diamond her husband back.
She was not pleased.
His bleeding head stained the box.
And red is my favorite color now.
Scarlet flags decorate the castle.
My guards march in crimson.
And my dress sparkles in hearts.
I have lost my head,
But now,
Those who have hated me
Will too.
