My story is known by children near and far,

With parts both real and bizarre. 

I was cursed as a baby by an enemy fearful,

And rewarded with parents paranoid and tearful.

Despite my guardians attempts to prevent it,

Still, here I lay, paralyzed and breathless. 

 

The curse may have dictated sleep for a century,

But I am trapped with my thoughts, dreams only a memory. 

The seconds tick by more slowly than ever before,

And I would give anything to touch the cold floor. 

I wish for escape though I know there is none,

I can only wait for "my" prince to come. 

A knight in shining armor with his white and noble steed,

He'll rescue me, and with his kiss, I will be set free. 

I wonder as I picture this mystifying image, 

If that freedom will very quickly be diminished.

Will I feel some obligation toward this heroic young man?

And the marriage that's expected... do I really think I can?

What if don't like him, and what if he's a tyrant?

If I cannot marry him, will I remain silent?

As these thoughts roll through my head, the seconds go on crawling.

I wish the endless night would end and bring the promised morning.

 

As the seconds, hours, and days push slowly on ahead,

I become determined to free myself instead.

I wish to write my story, of a girl who is brave and strong,

but cares about her family her whole life long.

She'll go in search of knowledge and a partner too

To share in her adventures meant just for two.

 

A memory flutters faintly in the corner of my mind,

a way to break this frozen curse I haven't thought to try. 

True love is the key to breaking free, but love for who I wonder.

Love for family, my people, and country, it comes to me like thunder.

But is it strong enough to break through all the magic,

then I think of my sleeping family, becoming quite nostalgic.

My heads begins to fill with memories and love for all I know,

and the more the love grows, I do not feel alone.

As my love and power grows, the magic begins to tumble,

and with one final mental push, the curse falls down and crumbles.

 

My eyes fly open, and there's light flooding through my window.

There is no prince, and thankfully my head's freed from my pillow.

I rush down from my tower to find my parents and my people,

and the bottom there they are, standing tall and regal.

And after a heartfelt embrace, I tell all my story, 

and when I finish they were all congratulatory.

 

And so that night my kingdom celebrated,

for their freedom, and their futures much anticipated.