Sleeping Beauty.

They told us the story
Of a princess
Who slept nearly all her life away
Just waiting for her prince.
Men would come, as steady as rain,
Testing their luck
With a kiss.
I don’t remember much of the ending, but I do
Remember wondering what it must be like,
To endure every failed attempt.
I like to believe that she was counting.
I’d imagine she tasted like warm skin and deep dreams
And soft anticipation
As Number Six-Thousand and Four would bend down and offer her
The world
Through a kiss.
She was unconscious, but I like to believe she held her breath as she hoped
For the lightening to strike
Right before
He left.
I know it is only a story. And yet
I admire that quiet hope. I like to believe
In a love that is worth waiting through
Six-Thousand and Five empty promises.
You know, the kind that could bring you
To life.