That's not the way
The story has to go?
Then what if I say

That there's to be a play,
And all the actors go-
That's not the way?

Then it is a dark winter's day
With a fall of enchanted snow.
Then what if I say

A princess has been turned to clay
And the prince must- no?
That's not the way?

She is frozen, then, and she prays
For true love's soft glow
Brought before the warmth of May

By the prince from far away.
And yet, you still say no.
Then what if I say

That there's a birthday-
Oh, child, I know.
That's not the way.
What if I say . . .

- September 2001