Fables

May have few common ingredients

but they all begin once upon a time.

A protagonist, often young,

in a frock, or robe or armor

sets out on a path, road or voyage

enroute to an unknown destination

as dangers and wonders loom up.

All those piquant causes for concern

that might threaten an innocent walk:

falling deep asleep after one bite

of an apple insistently offered;

being kissed awake by a Prince

or a Princess you've never met;

all the world's wily, wayward wolves.

Capped perhaps by a sword of power

pulled easily from an enchanted stone;

or sunk forcefully in the throbbing heart of

the fire-breathing, gold-hoarding dragon.

From whatever age visited, or revisited, fables

are places where imagination feels at home.