The Fable Forgets Itself

In the beginning, the forest held to its laws.

Ravens recited them. Wolves obeyed.

The trees stood tall and vigilant.

But then, the fable forgot itself.

The fox swallowed the moon out of boredom.

The prince fell in love with the dragon.

The beheaded moral ran screaming into the ocean.

Even the narrator forgot the words.

Now, apples bite before they’re bitten.

Now, the witch kneads her own bread.

Now, girls with red hoods carry knives.

Call it a ruined revision.

Call it what happens

when a good fable stops pretending

to be good.