A Conversation With Little Red Riding Hood

A Conversation With Little Red Riding Hood [I’ve always loved the fairy tale, “Little Red Riding Hood”, and I’ve used it to teach many lessons, especially on perspective and morals in my classroom, so this contest inspired me to try my hand at turning the fairy tale into a poem and use dialogue. One character is Little Red Riding Hood and the other is me, the omniscient one, who can see all perspectives in the story. This was a fun challenge, especially turning it into all dialogue, except for who was speaking, but I am delighted with the outcome. I also gave the ending a little twist to add humor. Thank you for the opportunity!] “Hey there, Little Red Riding Hood, what a pleasure to meet you out in these woods.” “Hi,” replied Little Red, her voice so sweet, “I, too, am so glad we could finally meet.” “I agree, and I wondered if I may ask you a few questions if you’re up for the task.” “Why sure I am,” Little Red replied, “Just let me fix my smooth red dress, then we’ll go inside.” “This is Grandmother’s house!” I exclaimed with fear, “and it seems Granny’s shaving days are of yesteryear.” “It’s lovely,” noted Red, walking straight to Gran’s bed. “Just let me give Granny these muffins, rolls, and bread.” “No problem,” I sputtered, as Little Red approached “Just drop the food and hurry up,” I pleaded and I coached. “Here Granny, I brought food, but afterwards, you shave, and Gran, clip your fingernails; Grampa’s rollin’ in his grave!” “Ok, so Little Red, when you left your home this morn, did your mother give directions, and maybe even warn you to stay on the pathway, not stray into the woods and never talk to strangers, share info, names, or goods?” “Oh yes, she surely did. I heard every word. I promised Mother I’d be safe until she felt assured.” “But, Little Red,” I started slowly, “once you started off, you saw some pretty flowers and heard a stranger cough.” “Did you not stray off the path to see the flowers near, and when you picked a flower, a hairy thing appeared?” “Well yes,” Red stammered, beginning to confess “I spoke to a stranger. My manners weren’t their best!” “Don’t forget to shave, but love ya’,” Little red uttered, “I think we better get out fast be..be..” Red stuttered. “I think you’ve learned your lesson,” I tried to comfort Red. “Now let’s start dashing fast ‘fore Gran flees the bed!” “Thanks Red, for bursting out the door and sprinting through the woods, but funny thing, we passed a wolf with a basket full of goods.” “Um…Red…,” I started, out of breath, “a wolf passed, did you see?” “Oh yes,” replied Red calmly. “That’s Granny’s guest for tea.” 2nd Place Submitting: “Conversation With a Fictional Character Poetry Contest” Sponsor: Natasha Scragg Date: 02/21/2022