You see, the fairy tale barely mentions that
Ariel second guessed herself,
Tried everything in her arsenal,
But still wasn’t good enough.

The fairy tale barely mentions
How long Belle took to open up,
Protected by walls and fortresses
She didn’t know how to bring down.

The fairy tale doesn’t mention that
Sleeping Beauty got cold feet on her wedding day.
The prospect of forever was just too daunting.
She had no time to find herself.

The fairy tale doesn’t mention that
For every Cinderella enchanting their own Charming,
There are ten girls dancing at the ball
Who didn’t get their chance, who won’t find their prince.

And you see, I’m just a girl.
I’m not a firework that dazzles,
Leaving an imprint on the back of your eyelids.
You won’t get caught in my short, tangled eyelashes.

There’s not much to see
In my edged smile and sharp words.
In my ribcage, there’s just lungs and ruby red blood –
I’m not made out of starlight.

I’m not fearless,
I’m the girl who spends every moment afraid.
I’m not the lioness –
I’m the deer that’s ready to bolt.

I’m not a daydream Disney princess,
I’m not always sure that everything will work out
And I’m beginning to worry
That ‘happily ever afters’ aren’t for everyone.