The Other End of The Tale, By Gerri Leen

 
The walk is long
The covering robes heavy
The child whimpers in her arms
She has women who could carry him
She left them behind

This must be done alone

The forest house
Slowly comes into view
Her legs ache as she climbs the rise
The little man sits on his porch
He smiles at her

As if he knew all along she'd come

"You showed me mercy"
He shrugs
"You could have taken my child"
He nods
"You let me servant hear your name"
He laughs

The child reaches out for him

He is the crown prince
She must keep him safe
She hands him to the little man
who cuddles the child close
and sings softly

She cannot understand the words

He hands her back the child
"I didn't help you for riches
I can spin straw into gold
What need have I for gems?"
She understands

He is kinder than she ever gave him credit for

The king would have killed her
For something her father promised

Something she could not do
This little man saved her
This little man set her free

"I like your name" -- the only gift she has for him

His eyes sparkle
"It was a neat trick
Pulling myself apart that way
Surprised you didn't fall for it"
She did

But only for a little while


In addition to having several stories and poems published by
Enchanted Conversation, Gerri Leen is celebrating the release of her
first collection of short stories, Life Without Crows, published by
Hadley Rille Books.  See what else she's been up to at her website:
http://www.gerrileen.com.