Flowing hair tumbles from the sky
to find her freedom and new fate
delivered not by gallant prince
but by connecting to the earth.
Her tresses swirl in morning sun
like rippling stalks of amber wheat.
She whispers words that bees pass on
to seek companions, pure and free.
Come alive, come alive! She dreams
of daffodils and marigolds
so she weaves seeds into her hair
builds cozy nests inside her curls.
When spring arrives, she holds her breath,
sees nestled in her golden locks
flitting moths and dappled honey
and goldfinch chicks and dandelions.
A world soon blooms before her eyes—
golden apples, beets, and peppers
beating breasts of yellow warblers
the swooning dance of butterflies.
With nature’s chatter in her ears
the tower cages her no more—
the princess welcomes spring’s embrace
a crown of daisies, breathless grace.
Ian Li (he/him) writes speculative fiction and poetry from Toronto. Formerly an economist and consultant, he also loves spreadsheets, statistical curiosities, and brain teasers. Find his writing at Radon Journal and Flame Tree Press, as well as at https://ian-li.com.
Image of Rapunzel by Emma Florence Harrison.
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