Barely begun their
happily ever after road
The Pied Piper’s bride Princess Polly
imposed on him a detour
making it loud and evident
that he’d have to retire
that infernal shrill pipe
as it scarred her delicate eardrums.

To this edict she added
she was far too refined a lady
of the royal bluest blood
for him to escort out in public
in his ratty old
yellow and red striped
jacket and scarf (from which
the cane pipe protruded).

She insisted she’d gladly pay
the l000 guilders
long-owed him by the town Mayor,
in return for the peace and freedom
to stroll together
without mobs of rats or
ragamuffin children
racing like dogs, at their heels.

The Princess protested it wasn’t her problem
if the vermin returned to rampant,
running havoc on Hamelin again
or if flocks of children suffered
and she stressed to the Piper
that sometimes, even in fairy tales
you have to just say no.

The poor groom pondered
the sudden lack of support
and knew that for worse was
already upon him.

But he insisted on one last performance
of parading his tunes through the streets
before he’d toss his magic pipe
into the river, and give it all up for keeps.

So off he departed, in his usual attire
leaving her to her greedy sleep
and soon he was trailed by the underage crowd
their squeals of delight making him inspired.

And when they reached the water’s edge
they trooped in and submerged, one and all
with the musician in the lead, playing on
to the very last call.

11/30/2005

Author's Note: First Draft

Posted on 11/30/2005
Copyright © 2024 Maureen Glaude