Grumbles from the Forest Quotes

“Happily Ever After

Imagine them all
after the plotting, after the ball,
after the spelling, hopping, sweeping,
grumping, grousing, mopping, sleeping,
from small glass shoe to nuisance pea,
so ever after, all happily be-
enchanted with magic
from kingdoms
to seas.
Now close your eyes,
and dream of these.”
― Jane Yolen, Grumbles from the Forest: Fairy-Tale Voices with a Twist

“Snow White Makes a Plea to the Witch

Light a candle.
Feed your scrawny cat.
Polish your dark house.
Buy a new hat.

Write odes, darn socks.
Repair your crumbling stoop.
Put a smile on your face.
Pour out that sour soup.

Move away from the mines,
Far out by the bay.
And I beg you, please,
Throw that mirror away.”
― Jane Yolen, Grumbles from the Forest: Fairy-Tale Voices with a Twist

“Once

Once, oh once, there was, was not,
A girl, princess, mermaid, widow, witch, queen, wife,
A boy, king, soldier, wizard, troll, giants,
Magic
Life.

The tale turns, returns, confuses, confesses,
And all the hardships, spells, and stresses,
End well in happy laughter
And we hope-
ever after.

Believe me, friend- because would I,
A storyteller, ever lie?”
― Jane Yolen, Grumbles from the Forest: Fairy-Tale Voices with a Twist

“Snow Speaks to the Mirror

My nose is smudged,
my hair in tangles.
I do not like
myself at angles.
Skin's not clear,
eyes all red.
Another hour
in my bed
would be a gift,
would feel real nice.
But can I trust
your strange advice?
Don't be daft.
I won't be guided
by a glass
that's so one-sided.”
― Jane Yolen, Grumbles from the Forest: Fairy-Tale Voices with a Twist

“Beauty Sleep

Wake up, princess, time to rise.
Open up your dreamy eyes.
Never mind the prince or kiss.
By no means were you raised for this.
Take the plot back from the witch.
Kick her spindle in the ditch!”
― Jane Yolen, Grumbles from the Forest: Fairy-Tale Voices with a Twist