SOMEDAY my prince will come

"paper prince"

I expect him any time now.
dressed up in standard # 10 envelope,
rather humble in its wardrobe.
With a slice of letter opener,
he sweeps into my life-
making me whole.
He will vilify all the lengthy hours
spent staring at white &; gray screen
typing my soul out
to no one in particular.

Suddenly he will have a face-
my hope brings him to life.
The cookies and milk are out on the table.
I've been waiting for this moment.

I take him out, he shakes in my hands
SLAP! My face stings&;#8230;
Alas&;#8230;
I've been faked out.
"We're sorry, but we will not be able to use your
material&;#8230;"
A clever ruse! I shall not be fooled again!

I will be patient.
I will keep my mailbox clean.
I will keep baking you cookies.

I pour a glass of the milk
I'd put out for you. Blaaahk!
Your evil twin has soured it!
Rejection
has fooled me again.

One day I'll see through him-
won't open his envelope
won't give him the satisfaction
of yanking my chain again.

I know that someday,
the real thing will come.
I will look into your black eyes
upon your white paper face
read the words I've been waiting to hear
I do not despair-
some day, my prince will come.