Today on Drabble Wednesday I bring you twisted tales of
childhood, grim and dark…
The Big Bad Wolf
Who’s afraid?
We are all afraid. It is not safe to roam these woods. Blood
soaks into the trails and earth. They have killed our children, our elders. Left
behind mutilated corpses.
Many of our tribe migrated from the forest. Of those that
stayed, many hide, too frightened to forage for food. We send our strongest to
hunt for our meat, but even they don’t always come back.
Sometimes I stare at the great moon in the sky, and wonder.
What did we do to them?
Why does this Red Riding Hood and her huntsmen kill wolves for
our pelts?
~*~
Hansel and Gretel
Gretel looked up from her scrubbing, afraid, as her father opened the door. Hansel scurried
into a corner. But their father did not greet them with blows or shouts.
“Come children. We’re leaving.”
Ever obedient, the brother and sister rose and followed. He
led them deep into the forest, where an old lady awaited. She tossed him a leather
purse.
“Here’s your gold.”
He laughed, and pushed the children forward. The old
woman reached out and grabbed their hands. Their father turned and departed.
The old lady smiled at them. “Don’t worry, children. Granny
will take good care of you.”
~*~
Sleeping Beauty
One hundred years she slept, behind walls of stone, walls of
thorn, imprisoned within a fairy’s curse. Over the years, the blood of valiant heroes
fed the thorns, and their bleached bones stood as warning to others.
Save one brave soul. He who won the path to her side.
Her prince.
He stared, enchanted by her timeless beauty, compelled to kiss
her soft, ruby red lips. Her eyelids fluttered, and she awoke. The prince
helped her to sit, held her in his arms, and she smiled.
With a mouth full of razor sharp fangs.
Moments later she ate her prince.
© A. F. Stewart 2016
All Rights Reserved
