I used to look at Strangers
With curiosity
And sometimes hope,
Thinking it might just take a moment
For them to be transformed
Miraculously
Into friends
Soulmates
Lovers.

Now I can barely spare a glance
Or listen to their sad confessions
Knowing we’ll never be anything but strangers
Lonely
Unknown
Replaceable.
No chance of instant recognition
No magic spell
Will turn us into gods of understanding.
Frogs remain frogs,
Princes remain princes
And, rumour has it,
The golden ball
Finds life is easier down the well.

As for the princess
They said she’s only a mirage,
A fleeting image
-Probably some forgotten advert
For alcohol, or cigarettes.
One day they banned her from the streets
Afraid she might cause traffic accidents-.
Thus ends a tale of Beauty
And of Loss.