Abby the Stabby - 12

"Now just a damn minute," says Abby, irate,

"As if I don't have quite enough on my plate,

I can't catch a break, even in my own dreams --

Everyone's bent on my misery, it seems --

All that I want is to rest for a while,

But no, no. Not until I've been put on trial!"

Collapsed to her knees, sobbing into her hands,

"I shall never escape these ridiculous lands!

At least not with all of my senses intact,

Or my head still attached, as a matter of fact..."

"And on that," the King said, "and all of this business,

What do you know of it? What did you witness

From up on your high horse, a mile high (plus two)?

Too lofty, I think," citing rule 42:

"Anyone higher than one mile tall,

Isn't allowed to be in here at all."

"I don't know a thing, and I'm perfectly short --

Which isn't a crime to be taken to court --

And anyway, I'm not a liar or thief,

(I can't even steal a few hours of relief);

And what of the Knave? Why separate his dome

For just being hungry? Let him go home,

And let's all agree that this thing is a farce

Grown out of control, the order gone sparse."

"Too late," screeched the Queen, "The verdict is next!

Read it this instant!" her expression vexed,

"I will have justice! Now who'll be beheaded?!"

(As Abby the Stabby's patience is shredded);

"I've had quite enough of your ranting and raving

And punishing others with how you're behaving--

I'm all out of tears, and I'm all out of gas,

And just about ready to kick royal ass!

Ridiculous land with the strangest of folk --

I'm done being someone's idea of a joke --

So YOU, my dear Queen, and your King and your guards

Are nothing at all but a cruel deck of cards!"

"OFF WITH HER HEAD!" shouted her Majesty,

"I've never been spoken to so hurtfully,

No one would dare, and I'll show you why,"

As all of the cards rose up into the sky,

Crashed down on Abby as she began screaming,

Praying she's done with this terrible dreaming--

Not out of fear, but more of frustration

Impatient to realize her deadly fixation

When jarred wide awake by her mental distress,

She sits up in bed, her appearance a mess,

Fakes a big smile like a good little actress,

And pulls a huge butcher knife out of the mattress....

----

- © Jackson Cambridge, 2016.