In the back of Mama's closet
before it was remodeled
were those pictures
from a hundred years ago
with smiling faces that I didn't know
that had some how been so important
before i was even thought of.

That weird wood thing
with those shapes I didn't understand
and the funny hair and costumes
and the timeless faces that never change.

But none of it was frozen
because each has a memory
and a story
to be told
and heard
and thought about
by a little girl.

A fairy tale set on the plains
of sweet sisters
and laughter
and silly things that I hoped I would see one day.

Oh I found many friends
many "sisters" you could say
who made me into a lady
the woman I barely recognize.
But I sat with bated breath for years
waiting for my time to come
for that real life fairy tale to begin.
So I could live out those pictures too.

I always knew I would wear letters
and bows
and a big bright smile
because of those pictures in the closet.

But I didn't know
that I would be dreaming
about telling my little girl
the very same tale I heard
once upon a time.