Red's Revenge
“Don't stray from the path, don't talk to a strangers.
 Take heed, beware, and try to spot dangers.
Words echo around your red riding head. 
True words ignored, your mother once said.
Alone in the wild, you met a strange wolf
at first he seemed fun, cool and aloof. 
But, you were lost in the forest, fleeing from mom's wrath,
did you miss a sign on the road, as you strayed from the path?
“Pick her some flowers” he would howl as he'd exit.
You thought this was strange wondered if you should text it.
Then off to your granny's without delay,
There upon arrival, much to your dismay.
Granny slumped in bed, she looked a little bit odd. 
Her worn out false teeth, now sharp and too large.
In feral rage, he sprang up with tail like a flag.
Growling, “I'll eat you too, just like I ate the old hag.”
“Hold it now- there Wolfie!” was your fiery retort. 
How about some bread and butter and a nice glass of port? 
Slow yourself down, we have plenty of time.
Let's make this night special, relax, I'll pour the wine.”
Befuddled, the wolf was thrown for a loop 
as Red buttered the bread and poured him a snoot.
Wolfie just laughed, “I'll take my time and just enjoy both.”
Drinking the wine and eating the loaf.
He gobbled and drank; he demanded some more.
Soon thereafter the beast collapsed on the floor.
Red smiled and winked as she turned to the door.
“Don't you know dogs can't eat chocolate and onion?
Do you want some more? Are you having fun yet?
The focaccia was spiked, and the babka had coca.
And as for the wine, well, strychnine, to choke ya.”
The moral of the story is to always choose the dare.
Go it alone and uncover your hair.
The night, it is black, the woods dark and deep. 
Always check the bed before you slip in to sleep.
Never talk to a stranger, never trust a creep.
Never stray from the path, look before you leap.
Wear your cape proud and leave them for dead.
Red's only a color, a stigma made up in the head.
Release your covered locks for all the world to see.
Never let a monster tell you who you should be.
v.j.calone
written  08/08/2022

This was collaborative piece- 
Work shopped by. J.R. Turek, poets and writers in the class Wednesday 08/10/22 at the Farmingdale Library, NY.
Edited, engineered, recorded, produced and voiced by T.A. “The Voice” Niles 08/14/22 - West Coast style!
Written from the prompt, “Take a children's story and change the ending” 08/08/22
from Raven Wire FB online daily prompt by Jana-Alisha O'Dell creator of the 24 hour poetry marathon.

Vincent Calone

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