To All the Princesses Yet to Come by Ishani Agrawal

Once Upon a Time is where you must thrive. 

At the beginning, at the start, without dangers or hardship.

The place with perfection.

Take care of your appearance; it will get you far.

Do not flaunt it, delicately reveal it, little bits at a time.

Adversity is to be expected–

it’s not shocking or frightening.

Welcome it with open arms,

as if embracing your mother

because for some of you, your mother will

be your greatest villain.

Above all, be unique.

Tell a new story. 

The world does not want Cinderella again and again.

Bluebeard was a shock, but you can do better.

All of you: flowers waiting to bloom.

Not yet Queens, but not all of you will make it.

Not everyone gets a Happily Ever After.

Do you know how many others

never got a royal portrait with a crown perched upon her head?

Don’t be like them. 

Here you stand, laying and waiting. 

Remember this moment.

You won’t get another chance.