Not waiting for a happy ending
This is a poem I wrote about the determined and hardworking Disney princess Tiana before her life turned glamorous. Clap for the women who get jobs done!
Disclaimer: I do not own Disney's The Princess and the Frog.
"Slow and steady," they jeer and crow,
What in the world do these folk know?
This world is too fast for them, no man for me yet, no hitch.
I'm destined for my place, my restaurant, and my niche.
Sometimes I wonder how I, Tiana, became this way.
Mama's always easy-going and passive day by day.
Daddy was like me with his head screwed in right.
But for a girl to be this determined, I'd be called uptight.
What does another girl do when her life's a mess of messes?
She just wishes on stars and daintily digresses,
Digresses from the real world with real treasures.
Can't those fools look beyond society's boundaries and measures?
"With her background she'll get tired," they always say.
"No running no restaurant for a lady. Get her married right away!"
Let the baby chick settle down and grow into a hen,
Meant solely for hatching eggs and decorating her den.
They can have their chickens. The rooster's no better than me.
I know what I'm worth; I'm a woman, diligent and free.
I'm gonna show New Orleans that regardless of gender or race,
a person can do anything; I close my case.
If my mama and daddy's older folk could work to their graves,
Then am I not strong enough to be the one who saves,
Saves the family name and legend for generations beyond me?
They worked hard for my freedom, so it's my turn to give liberty.
I'm not gonna kiss frogs like girls or turn into a broke loner.
I'm employed, hard working, and a future restaurant owner.
When those sassy cats and chauvinistic owners see me face to face,
They'll regret messing with me, the owner of Tiana's Place.
As far as I know, I ain't got long to live.
I might as well remain focused and give and give and give.
My life is a quilt that's been torn and needs mending.
Thank you for the offer, but I'll make my own happy ending.