Princesses are rescued
by fearless knights,
they are not left to rot
in a crumbling tower,
or fed to the hungry dragons
lying deep in the forest.
The don’t fight with her parents,
or struggle to pay rent,
or toss and turn late at night,
deep in thought.

They have never scraped their knees,
or experienced a heartache.
They do not dream of shadows
who have suddenly grown legs,
but of white horses and 
sparkling gowns.
And they certainly have never 
seen anyone suffer.

But looking in the mirror
with your crown on your head
you can see your tower crumbling,
and even catch a glimpse 
of those walking shadows.